In a split vote, the
Sarasota County School
Board decided Tuesday
to retain Dr. Gary
Norris. Now the ball is
in Norris' court.
BY GREG GILES
STAFF WRITER

Sarasota County school
board chairman Frank
Kovach wasn't the deciding
vote Tuesday to keep Dr. Gary
Norris as superintendent, but
he might well be in the long
run.
In another split vote, the
board voted 3-2 to renegotiate
a new contract with its cur-
rent superintendent.
Veteran board member
Kathy Kleinlein and newly
appointed
m e m b e r s
members
Shirley Brown
and Caroline
Zucker voted
in favor, with
Carol Todd
and Kovach
voting against
at a special Norris
meeting held
Tuesday.
It was Kovach's vote last
month that opened the door
for Norris to stay, when he
swa'ed the board's decision io
back off a superintendent
search it was planning, and to
specifically reconsider Norris in
the mix
As chairman of the board
for the next year, his vote yes-
terday may have significant
influence in Norris' decision.
whether to accept the invita-
tion to enter into another
contract.
Whether Norris will agree
to come back based on a split
vote, one of many that have
plagued the board over the
past three years, is unknown.
It was one of the road-

THIS
EDITION'
LET'S GO 8 ..

BD. i il

blocks Norris referred to
when he announced his resig-
nation earlier this year. An
inability to reach consensus
and the sending of mixed sig-
nals were high on his list of
board leadership issues he
thinks need to be addressed.
Kovach said he and Norris
agreed at the outset Tuesday to
give him time to think it over,
- pending a favorable outcome.
Norris' decision could core as
early as tomorrow.
Florida School Boards
Association executive director
Wayne Blanton told the board at
a superintendent search work-
shop last month it should seri-
ously consider a unanimous
vote to support its next superin-
tendent, whoever it maybe, due
to the message it sends. Most
candidates won't touch a split
vote job offer, he said.
Norris, however, has al-
ready walked the hot coals of
Sarasota County's sometimes
heated board wars. He won
the job three years ago on a
split vote.
Skewed
Members spent Tuesday
morning discussing the road-
blocks that led to Norris' res-
ignation, and what it would
take to overcome them. One
by one board members took
turns expressing both compli-
ments and frustrations..
More than once Todd
expressed her dissatisfaction
with how the workshop was
being conducted.
"The process is skewed to
'what can we do to support the
superintendent?' she said.
"Why are we talking about a
contract instead of a resigna-
tion?"
"Regardless of who the next
superintendent is, it's good to
record the responses," said
facilitator and former Landings
administrator Carlene Judge.
Norris took time to set the
record straight on student
achievement in Sarasota
County.
"When I came I was told
we were tops in everything,"
said Norris, alluding to argu-
ments by some that his initia-
tives have been trying to fix a
system that's not broken.

Please see NORRIS, 6A

SUN PHOTO BY JEFF TAVARES, jtavares@venicegondolier.com
Venice city officials, local pilots, representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and members of the Aircraft
Owners and Pilots-Association were at Venice Municipal Airport Tuesday to celebrate the rehabilitation of runway 13/31.
The project was delayed for several years while the city worked through a dispute with the FAA over the lease for the
Lake Venice Golf Club.

Plans for restaurant site revised

BY GERALD A. ROGOVIN
CORRESPONDENT

R&D .Companies, the
Naples home developer that
hopes to create a luxury con-
dominium complex on the
Intracoastal Waterway at
Blackburn Point Road in
Osprey, is refining its site plan
for submission to the
Sarasota County Commis-
sion.
R&D paid $15.4 million last
summer to acquire the site of
the closed Flying Bridge
restaurant from Valencia
Development Co. LLC., which
had won the right to develop
the 4.3-acre parcel after bat-
tling the county in court for
almost two years.
Valencia's original propos-
al called for 14 luxury town-
houses in three, three-story
buildings. Forty-six deep-
water boat slips, 19 of which
would be assigned to resi-
dents, were also proposed for
sale to the public. About 3

percent of the site was to
include a boat repair service,
bait shop, fueling station and
.aboat supplier.
The county commission
rejected Valencia's proposed
commercial area as too small.
R&D's plan offers a similar
mix of condominiums, boat
slips and offices.
There will be 18 resi-
dences, 2,000 to 4,500 square
feet in area, and 50 boat slips.
Fifteen of those would be for
transient use and for the pub-
lic. Units would be priced
from $2 million to $4 million,
according to R&D.
Robert Rogers, a joint ven-
turerworking on the project
with R&D, said that a marine
store, yacht service and gen-
eral offices will be included in
the commercial space. The
organization, is considering
whether to add a restaurant.
All would be open to the pub-
lic.
"We've already had interest
from Casey Key residents

about renting office space,"
Rogers said.
More than 27,000 square
feet will be set aside for
offices, he added.
Public access
The county commission
approved changes to the
marine zoning' district in
September to preserve public
access toarea waterways. By
allowing more flexible devel-
opment of mixed-use pro-
jects at marinas, including
residences, the commission
hopes to provide an incentive
to developers to retain mari-
nas, rather than replace them
with condominiums.
New regulations also
require free public boat slips
and public access to 30 per-
cent of a property, including
waterfront areas. For that,
developers will be allowed
increased density, which will
create a larger portion devot-
ed to residences.
At $15.45 million, R&D's

purchase of the property was
one of the largest recorded in
recent Southwest Florida his-
tory. It followed a lengthy and
contentious legal battle
between Valencia and the
county.
The county rejected
Valencia's proposal to rede-
velop the restaurant property
overlooking Little Sarasota
Bay in April 2005, on a 2-2 tie
vote. Several months later, the
county Zoning Board of
Appeals overturned the com-
mission by a unanimous vote
of its own. That put the coun-
ty into the 12th Judicial
Circuit Court in opposition to
a county advisory panel it had
appointed.
The court sided with the
appeals board, which ad-
vanced development of the
property and the R&D pur-
chase.
County property records
reveal that Valencia pur-
chased the site in August 2002
for $4.14 million.

Venice moviegoers have
been invited to complete a sur-
vey on the entertainment
needs of teenagers in the area.
The results will lead to
major decisions byWaterford
Companies on the project it is
designing to occupy the final
available space in the Galleria
Plaza, which has become an
entertainment hub.
Waterford Companies ac-
quired the run-down plaza
with many empty units four
years ago. In the past year and a
half it has become a vibrant
center, with the opening of
Frank Theaters Venice Movie
Theater, a pub, a restaurant, a
discount store, a bank and
Realtors. Soon it will have a

large golf store, followed by
Body Wraps, a sports bar, a
gelato and ice cream shop, a
beauty parlor and other attrac-
tions.
Company president Mike
Miller, father of two younger
children, is aware of the need
to provide some form of
entertainment for the grow-
ing number of teenagers in
the community. With a team
of colleagues he has spent the
past three months focusing
on the after-school needs of
13- to 18-year-olds.
Because many families go to
the movie theater, it was decid-
ed to invite patrons of all ages to
provide their thoughts on the
kind of venue that would be
appealing to younger mem-

Please see TEEN, 6A

The former medical office building between the Venice Regional Medical Center parking
garage and the hospital met its fate Tuesday. Future plans for the property, which is not
owned by VRMC, are unknown.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VENICE ARCHIVES
A fisherman at the South Jetty in the 1960s. Note the
North Jetty bait and concession stand across Casey's Pass
in the background. For more on this and other historical
materials, visit Venice Archives and Area Historical
Collection at 351 S. Nassau St., across from West Blalock
Park. The mission of Venice Archives is to collect and pre-
serve historical and archeological material relating to
Venice and the communities of Nokomis, Laurel and
Osprey, whose histories have been interwoven from 1867
to the present. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday and Wednesdays. Call 486-2487 for more
information.

North Port and Sarasota
County officials will continue
joint planning agreement
negotiations Wednesday.
The bad news is, their
occasionally heated talks
have taken months to reach
even a preliminary consen-
sus.
The good news is that
Friday's day-long session pro-
duced substantial progress
between the city and county.
The nRo continued to dis-
cuss a-proposed joint plan-

ning agreement that will set
out a roadmap for growth for
the next several decades.
One of the most compli-
cated issues that divided the
county and city came close to
resolution Friday.
Both sides fear that devel-
opment of 20,000 proposed
homes at Thomas Ranch1
which lies between River
Road and U.S. 41, would cre-
ate highway gridlock.
County planners suggest-
ed it would take all available
revenue for several years to
\widen the 11 miles of South
River Road.

North' Port Planning
Director Sam Jones asked
how much money the county
has banked from its share of
impact fees collected from
new home owners in the city.
The county's answer: more
than of $8 million.
Jones said that even in this
sluggish housing market, the
county's share of impact fees in
the next four years should total
several million dollars more.,
Although that is only a small
portion of the money required,
Jones suggested the county
dedicate all impact fees it
receives 'lidnl North Pnrt.to

widening River Road to four
lanes in small increments.
Help needed
Both sides agreed that
unless Thomas Ranch offers
assistance, such as deeding
land along River Road for
widening, it might not be
possible for.the West Villages
developer to continue build-
ing until the problem is
addressed.
County officials also com-
plained they lack information
onWestVillages' internal road
network. Those roads must
Sie. in tidf'..cdOIt. l t-. roads ill

More Than The Basics.

s-

.1

Top of the Line Dentistry
Featuring Affordable State of the Art Technology
www.venicedentist.com
488-1075

Are merchants missing a
bet?
Tropical Bob has received
several e-mails regarding Pearl
Harbor Day Thursday and
how we might commemorate
the 1941 surprise attack on
our Hawaiian naval base by
the Japanese.
Now, if sales soar on special
days, how is it that merchants
have long ignored the possi-
bilities of this day? Why not
offer flags, miniature Statues ,
of Liberty, replicas of
Grumman Wildcats?
T.B. went shopping to
check the availability of these TROPICAL BOB
items. Yes, they're on shelves. i [I V '
Flip them over and they are
"Made in Japan."

Englewood or dead end. run north and south, from its
Jones and county officials intersection with Dearborn to
quickly hammered out a solu- North River Road, ending well
tion. Manasota Beach Road beyond the River Road inter-
must run east and west across section with U.S. 41.
Thomas Ranch to an intersec-. Several additional roads will
tion with River Road. run State Road 776 on the west
""Pile' 'Street i s expected jto 'to'RlerRoado. fhiast.

RETIRE ON YOUR TERMS:
EXPLORING A PHASED RETIREMENT
Whether you're nearing retirement or already retired,
there's a hew trend to consider: phased retirement.
Work part time whether for income or personal
satisfaction at your current job or one of the many
companies actively seeking retired employees. And
enjoy more leisure time to explore new activities.

Learn about opportunities and pitfalls of phased
retirement, including insurance, Social Security and
income. Plus you'll hear from Jean Chatzky, editor-at-
large of Money Magazine and financial editor of
NBC's Today show.

BY ROLLIE REYNOLDS
STAFF WRITER
The Venice Police Depart-
ment has created a new
incentive program in an
attempt to attract and retain a
greater number of qualified
applicants for the position of
police officer.
Trainees will get the oppor-
tunity to get paid while going
through the six-month train-
ing academy, and then the
state's certification testing
process.
For many years, the city
has required police officer
applicants to have Florida law
enforcement certification be-
fore applying, because there
was an abundance of candi-
dates available who had
obtained it. Law enforcement
officers were coming to
Florida from other states just
to escape cold weather and
"big city" crime problems,
and were willing to pay their
own way to become Florida
certified.
But times have changed.
Greater competition has
developed between law en-
forcement agencies in Flor-
ida, not only causing salaries
and benefits to increase, but
also generating other entice-
ments to get the attention of
those interested in such a
career.

QUALIFICATIONS
A summary of the qualifi-
cations to become a VPD
police officer or "trainee":
At least 19 years old.
U.S. citizen
High school diploma, or
GED equivalent; prefer 30 or
more credit hours of college.
Florida driver license.
Drug test, polygraph and
psychiatric evaluation.
A thorough background
check.
.-q a,IU.S, militaryvet. rap, .
must have a minimum of a
general discharge.
Able to operate a city
vehicle safely.
Able to pass all entrance
requirements of the selected
Florida Department of Law
Enforcement training acade-
my.
Successful completion of
the state-approved Physical
Abilities Test.
A physical exam, includ-
ing a visual acuity exam

II~

Venice Police Chief Julie
Williams said the "Employ-
ment Program" will be a big
factor in winning that compe-
tition:
"All depart-
ments are
basically
fighting for :.
the same .'
good people,"
said Williams.
"Most others
in Florida are
already offer-
ing this in- Williams
centive, so we
have been losing some appli-
cants to them along the way. I
believe that will change now
that this program has been
approved by the city council."
'Trainee' status

But don't look for any
recruiting ads for the position
of "Police Officer Trainee."
The department has a contin-
uous recruitment program
for police officer applicants,
which will now simply allow
the consideration of other-
wise qualified candidates
who are not yet certified.
In order to be placed on
the hiring eligibility list, all
police officer applicants are
put through the department's
normal background screen-
ing process of checking refer-
ences, criminal records, edu-
cation and previous employ-
ment. When openings occur,
if any of those who rise to the
top of the list are not Florida
certified, they will be consid-
ered for the "trainee" pro-'
gram.
That means they will be
put on the police department
payroll, but enrolled in the
six-month Sarasota Criminal
Justice Academy (referred to
as the "police academy") at
the Sarasota County Tech-
nical Institute.
"During that time," said
1.,)Millia nsgi" IrVfintime jqe sg
will be to attend the classes
and successfully complete
that intensive course. Then
they have to take and pass the
state exam for certification."
The city will pay the cost of
the course (currently $2,349)
plus the cost of that first exam
($100), in addition to the
trainee's wages and benefits
for up to eight months (allow-
ing for time to work around
the SCTI class and state test-
ing schedules). If the first
exam is failed, the trainee

may test a second time, but
then at his or her own
expense.
"The job description also
allows us to assign police-
related, nonlaw enforcement
duties when the trainee is not
in class," said Williams. "That
could be anything from filing
records to dispatching to 'job
.shadowing' with police offi-
cers, detectives, crime scene
personnel, etc. as part of their

on-the-job-training."
Two-year commitment
In exchange for the city's
investment, the successful
trainee will sign an agree-
ment to "reimburse" the city
by serving as a VPD police
officer for at least two years.
A trainee who drops out of
the academy, is dismissed or
fails to pass the state exam
"within,a reasonable period

of time after graduation" is
required to pay the city back
within a two-year period.
A successful trainee who
serves for less than the pre-
scribed two years would pay a
pro-rated amount to reim-
burse the city.
With several recent pro-
motions, as well as some
anticipated retirements of
senior officers over the next
several months, the Venice

department expects to have
periodic job openings to fill.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?
Want to be a cop? Contact
the city's Administrative
Services Department at
486-2626, cr apply online at
wtvw venice gov.com.

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WWW.VENICEGONDOLIER.COM WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6, 2006

4A VENICt GOUINUULIlE SUIN

EDC commissioner courts cinema cash

BY RICK BARRY
PELICAN PRESS

Sarasota's Economic
Development Corp. plans to
have a professional film com-
missioner in place and run-
ning the county's first full-
time Film and Entertainment
Office from its Cattlemen
Road headquarters by the
end of January.
Already more than 40
resumes have been received,
and more were expected by
the close of business
Wednesday, said the EDC
President Kathy Baylis. The
job will pay between $45,000
and $65,000, depending on
film and video industry expe-
rience, contacts and knowl-
edge of the workings of local
and state bureaucracies,
according to an EDC survey.
The commissioner will
have a part-time assistant
provided from the EDC staff,
Baylis said.
The job will involve attract-
ing film and other entertain-
ment companies to use the
area as a location for com-
mercials, video production

and, ideally, some feature
films.
The commissioner's of-
fice will also be charged with
fostering the local film and
video industries, as well as
cataloguing locations, coor-
dinating and streamlining
permits through local gov-
ernments and linking area
businesses, crews and talent
to the productions, said
local film and video produc-
er Tony Swain, who chairs a
film office task force for the
Tourist Development Coun-
cil, on which he sits.
Many members of the
task force, which includes
representatives from area
college art, theater and film
schools; film festivals; tele-
vision stations; independent
producers; and others -will
form the nucleus of an advi-
sory board that will help
direct the film office for the
EDC, Baylis said.
County commissioners
gave final approval to the film
office concept they signed off
on Oct. 25, and allocated
$60,000 in startup money to
the office, plus recurring

funding of $140,000 annually,
$70,000 each from the
Sarasota Convention and
Visitors Bureau and the EDC.
The EDC will also seek pri-
vate funds to supplement its
governmental allocations.
'Much more'
By expanding this area's
creative services employment
sector, Baylis said the film
office would make a signifi-
cant contribution to the cor-
poration's overall strategy,
especially its goals of "adding
high-wage jobs and helping
diversify the local economy."
The film office for more
than a decade was a part-
time job for ope employee,
Pam Kline, of the CVB, said its
executive director, Virginia
Haley.
"We really had no budget
for the office," Haley said,
"and we knew it could be
much more."
So the task force was
formed to study the best
practices of other film offices
in this state and in others. A
consultant was hired and rec-
ommendations forwarded to

the county.
The task force set a goal of
attracting new business
adding $1.5 million to the
local economy next year, ris-
ing to $3 million annually by'
the third year.
In addition to a primary
goal of attracting projects that
bring guests to area hotels,
motels and restaurants and
increase employment in
entertainment-related busi-
nesses locally, the office
hopes to indirectly promote
the area through industry
contacts, including local col-
leges and universities, espe-
cially the Ringling School of
Art and Design, Manatee
Community College's film
program and the Asolo-FSU
graduate school of actor
training, according to the task
force's report.
Swain said the beauty of
income from film and video
production is that the outlays
can be sizable, "but we don't
have to build schools and
roads ... The production
companies come to town,
spend a lot of money while
they're here and then leave."

VTL looking to grow

BY BOB MUDGE
EDITOR

If you get something in the
mail from Herb Levine after
the first of the year, it won't be
a valentine.
Levine, president of the
Venice Taxpayers League, got
his board's approval Monday
at the group's monthly meet-
ing to send out special edi-
tions of the VTL newsletter in
2007 in an effort to recruit
new members.
The goal: to. be able to
mobilize enough like-minded
voters to elect someone to
city council next year whose
thinking is in line with the
group's slow- to no-growth
philosophy.
Mayor Fred Hammett and
council member Bill Willsdn
will be up for re-election in
2007.
Levine said the VTL's cur-
rent membership is about
300, roughly double that if
spouses are included.
Doubling the membership -
and the number of spouses -
would double the number of
votes the group could influ-
ence.
In the recent general elec-
tion incumbent council

member John Simmonds
beat political newcomer
Ernie Zavodnyik by 416 votes:
4,674-4,258. The VTL had
endorsed Zavodnyik.
"By God," said Levine, "this
is the closest we've ever
come."
Other tactics
The rest of the VTLs game
plan for the next election will
be decided in January, but
Levine threw out other ideas
at Monday's meeting. Among
them:
Keep its political action
committee active year-round.
Prospect earlier for coun-
cil candidates.
Start aWeb site.
Identify issues that ap-
peal to a broader range of vot-
ers, such as growth, traffic
and red tide.
Get sponsors for political
forums.
Appeal to small business-
es that could be hurt by the
types of businesses that
accompany growth.
Come up with a catchy
slogan. One possibility,
Levine said: "Who do you
trust the people who love
Venice, or the people who just
want to make money off it?"

Crash in Nokomis

SUN PHOTO BY JEFF TAVARES, jtavares@venicegondolier.com
Nokomis Fire Department and Sarasota County Fire Department transported this woman, who was injured in a two-car
crash at the Hess station on U.S. 41 in Nokomis Tuesday. Further details were unavailable at press time.

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9

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NORRIS frm page 1A
"The truth is we're not as
good as we think we are ...
(today) we're at a higher stand-
ing than when I came on
board."
Despite gaps in communi-
cating, Kleinlein confirmed
Norris' part in increasing stu-
dent achievement in the dis-
trict.
FCATs are up in many
areas, she said.
"Dropouts have fallen while
graduation rates have in-
creased. He addressed career
technology. The achievement
gap between high performers
and low performers is closing.
Our schools are safer and our
teachers are paid better (under
his leadership)," Kleinlein said.
She acknowledged the dis-
trict is forcing teachers out of
their comfort zones, adding,
"We need to ask teachers how
we can do things better."
Morale
Low teacher morale, and
how to boost it, was a hot topic.
The issue was stoked by a
weeks-long e-mail campaign by
school staff to influence the
board's decision.
It was this argument that
appeared to tilt the decision for
Kovach.
He reiterated his "deep
concern" about moving for-
ward with an unsustainable
budget that requires dipping
into reserve funds, and a lack
of program accountability
He complimented Norris
for securing record-breaking
pay raises for staff.
Norris acknowledged you

stom~rll

IsL

don't buy morale. He did it, he
said, to bring the best quali-
fied educators into the dis-
trict.
Research shows teaching
isn't as fun as it used to be.
Morale is down across the
nation, he added.
"I still have to look at morale.
There is a lot of disregard for his
leadership," Kovach said. "If he
returns, how do we right this
ship? I see this as a tremendous
disconnect I don't know how
many board members under-
stand how deep this runs."
Accountability
Norris came armed with a
host of remedies.
To improve communica-
tions he plans to reorganize
the communications depart-
ment, bringing in two more
positions.
He also recommended a
monthly series of community
forums, teacher workshops to
solicit input and board work-
shops when frustrations first
arise.
He proposed the board
commit to the Florida School
Boards Association Master
Board Development Program
and conduct self evaluations.
"High-performing leader-
ship teams spend nearly as
much time learning how to
govern, and how to work
together, as they do govern-
ing," Norris said.
He also made recommen-

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dations in the area of school
governance structures, union
contracts and budgeting
options.
Norris presented a two-
tiered approach to reduce this
and next year's budget, begin-
ning with reduced staff
assumptions.
"We clearly will not need
112 additional teachers with
enrollment rising only 400
students. We will need only 20
to 25," He said.
Norris envisions savings
through a hiring slowdown or
freeze for the remainder of
the 2006-07 school year, cur-
tailing purchases and rerout-
ing the transportation sys-
tem, as well as considering
future benefit plan changes.
Togetheress
Zucker said she campaigned
on the district's communication
Issues and was hopeful things
would improve.
"Everyone has warts. Some
are better at hiding their warts
than others," Zucker said.
She also said she'd been

threatened by letters that
said, "If I don't vote the super-
intendent out, I will be voted
out."
As a former school board
member in Sarasota County
who had been previously voted
out, it didn't have the desired
effect on her. She voted in favor
of rehiring Norris.
Former legislator Shirley
Brown, among others, wasn't
about to hang all the district's
woes around the neck of Norris.
"It's not just Gary Norris
who should be accountable.
We as a leadership team have
a lot of work to do.We should-
n't shy away from evaluating
ourselves. We all share in this.
"If teachers are not getting
what they want then they need
to look at their leadership (the
Sarasota Classified/Teachers
Association). I support the
(NGL) plan and the author."
"We need to work this out
We will continue to have this
problem (split decisions) unless
we take boardsmanship train-
ing. You work together on how
to get through that"

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us for a Wine & Cheese Social on Wednesday,
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bers of the community.
Asked the types of uses
wanted in a teen center, the
majority favored dancing
with a disc jockey for Friday
and Saturday nights, closely
followed by laser tag and a
video arcade.

Safe place
Miller's research on the
Internet showed generally
that voluntary funded pro-
jects usually fail, as their
income dips over time.
Supervision by teenagers has
also been found not to work
as it puts too much responsi-
bility upon those too young.
'We want to get kids off the
street by giving them a place
to go, where parents feel com-
fortable knowing it is a safe
place," said Miller.
The 7,000-square-foot
center --as yet unnamed, but
possibly to be called Hang
Time will likely have an all
purpose 2,500-square-foot

room for meetings, dances
and karaoke. There will be a
game room with billiard
tables, air hockey, Xbox play,
laser tag and a video arcade.
Refreshments will be sold, but
no beer or alcohol.
Talks have been held with
the South County Family
YMCA seeking its advice on
management, and possible
participation with a YMCA
night.
Experience indicates a
teen center must pay for itself
to survive, according to
Miller. Final decisions will be
made shortly as research and
input from all parties is final-
ized.
"If we can give kids a place
to go and meet, we are
encouraging family life in our
community," said Miller.
Asked how it might be dis-
tinguished from an adult cen-
ter, he said, "Someone has
already suggested a sign:
Adults must be accompanied

SBefore
becoming pregnant, a
woman's body weight
centers over her pelvic area
and hips. Once she becomes
pregnant and the baby grows, the
center of gravity gradually shifts,
with more weight thrust in front of
the hips. This shift leads to changes in
the alignment of the spine. And, as the
) uterus enlarges and expands forward,
the center of gravity is displaced, which
could cause muscle cramps' and nerve
pain. These changes in posture put more
strain on the lower back and pelvic
areas. If a woman goes into pregnancy
with poor spinal alignment, it may
possibly worsen, setting the stage for
increased discomfort during labor and
difficulty during delivery. Regular
chiropractic examinations. during
pregnancy help ease discomfort
through delivery.

P.S. Lower back pain is one of the most
common complaints of pregnant women.

SThe patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel
payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is
performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free,
discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.

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VENICE GONDOLIER SUN 7A

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Tension between Key owners, association

BY GERALD A. ROGOVIN
CORRESPONDENT

Casey Key, described in
real estate advertising as a
barrier island paradise,
sounds and feels like any-
thing but. Several property
owners and the Casey Key
Association have squared off
over a number of issues.
The association's board of
directors has been condemned
by Realtors active on the key
and individual home owners
for acting without adequately
informing the more than 400
owners. The dispute was
kicked off last May, when the
association's zoning commit-
tee approached the Sarasota
county board of commission-
ers. They sought ordinances to
reduce state-mandated height
limits on houses, tighten build-
ing codes and create a new
overlay district.
While some residents want
the county to stop the build-
ing of houses that tower. over
treetops and neighbors, oth-
ers object to the association
taking such steps before
determining the desires of all
property owners.

High stakes
The suggestion last May by
County Commissioner Shan-
non Staub to impose a year-
long moratorium on issuing
new building permits on the
key "to head off more over-
sized construction" caused
considerable concern among
Realtors. It prompted an
exchange of vigorous com-
ment between the associa-
tion and Realtor Tom Stone.
Stating his concern in a
newsletter he publishes,
Stone worried about the pos-
sibility of "a negative impact
on each and every Casey Key
property owner."
Stakes are high for Realtors
and owners. In 2005, 18 sales

of homes at $3 million or
more on the key represented
35 percent of the county total
at that level. Six transactions
at $5 million or more repre-
sented 46 percent of the
county total. The average sale
price of a Casey Key home in
2005 was $3.4 million,
according to county records.
An e-mail sent to the
Gondolier Sun earlier this
month by a property owner
protested that "there has
been no rank and file referen-
dum for property owners on
the key regarding a formal
position on the north bridge."
"I own three properties
here," it said. "I have never
been asked my position or
view on the bridge."

Ambience
When the bridge was
closed for repairs in Oct-
ober, association president
Hank Tafaro urged the coun-
ty to preserve the Blackburn
Point Road structure in
Osprey. The 81-year-old
swing bridge, one of very
few remaining in the state,
has been closed for repairs a
half-dozen time n the past
several years. "
"The one-lane bridge
needs to be preserved," he
said in a published statement.
"We: think it adds ambience
to the key."
Tafaro explained that the
association's rejection three
years ago of a county propos-
al to replace the bridge was
based on its desire to avoid
change.
More than 120 residents
turned out for the associa-
tion's annual meeting Nov. 15
at the Osprey Ramada Inn. It
had been moved up from
January 2007.
SDescribed as "an unusually
high attendance" by one resi-
dent, it was characterized as
"full of vocal opposition to the

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board of directors" by anoth-
er.
Reduction of the number
of directors from 12 to seven
prompted several objections.
Among residents questioning
recent board decisions, Brent
Hamill said, "that means that
even fewer people are decid-
ing for all of Casey Key."
The proposed overlay dis-
trict, said one owner, is aimed
at denying the hotels and
motels at the southern end of
the key their right to convert
to condominiums.

Politics
Another objection was
raised to a board decision
establishing a $20,000 legal
fund to involve the associa-
tion in the zoning.dispute
between the county and the
Casey Key Fish House about
restoring the restaurant's tiki
hut bar.
Several residents have
withdrawn as association
members.
"We joined when the asso-
ciation was responsible for
security, the annual picnic
and social activities," said
one. "Now it's into politics."
A sixth owner complained
that association-generated
surveys were "vague and
poorly worded to assure a
specific conclusion." Prom-
ised neighborhood discus-
sion groups to gather owner
opinions "don't seem to be
happening. When are we

going to have some
input?"asked another.
Casey Key is almost exclu-
sively zoned for single-family
houses. A handful of motels
and duplexes predating regu-
lations were "grandfathered"
in county ordinances. A con-
servation district established
by the state prohibits any-
thing new other than homes
with guest cottages.
Two years ago,.the county
adopted rules for residential
construction. They require a
45-degree daylight plane roof
line on houses beginning 25
feet above what is called "pre-
development grade." .The
ordinance was made stricter
for the key by having it begin
at 20 feet.
Because the key is directly
in the path of tides and flood-,
water surges caused by hurri-
cane winds, federal guide-
lines require that new homes
be built 19.4 feet in the air.
The result is that two-story
houses with high ceilings
tower over older ones built at
ground level.
"The residents have asked
us how lotsizes and ratios are
calculated because underwa-
ter land is being factored into
the size of houses," County
Commissioner Jon Thaxton
said in May. "Flexibility in our
rules is being abused by cre-
ative architects. People are
turning storm surge space
under the first floor into living
space."

Three burglary

suspects arrested

BY TOMMY MCINTYRE
STAFF WRITER

Police generally give high
priority to burglaries where
the home is occupied
because of the high risk to the
occupants.
Venice police took less
than 36 hours to arrest three
people who may have carried
out two residential burglaries
within hours of each other.
Both homes were occupied.
Arrested and charged with
loitering and prowling were
Jerry A. Crates, 34, 100 block
E. Airport Ave., Venice; Anne
M. Tuttle, 34, 100 block E.
Airport Ave., and Ryan S.
Lawrence, 24, 1100 block
Myrtle Ave., Venice.
Additional charges are
pending against all three.
According to the police
report, the first incident-hap-
pened in the early hours of
Dec. 2 in the 100 block of East
Base Avenue.
A woman was awakened
by her barking dog. She found
her rear glass slider open. The

screen had been cut. Her
purse was lying on the ground
outside the house.
A few hours later, in the 400
block Golden Beach
Boulevard, somebody broke
into the home and stole a
television set and some other
valuables. That home also
was occupied.
The burglars entered both
houses through the sliders.
About 3 am., Dec. 3, a tac-
tical surveillance team saw a
suspicious vehicle driving on
GoldenBeach Boulevard.
Crates, Tuttle and
Lawrence were in the car.
They admitted to' knowing
about the burglaries and led
detectives to to stolen TV
However, none of the three
would admit to actually par-
ticipating in the burglaries.
The report states that the
three suspects had stashed
the TV in the area, and were
on the way back to get it when
stopped by police.
You can e-mail Tommy
Mclntyre at: tmcintyre@-
venicegondoliercom.

Aprmet

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF ACTION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR
SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
THE MARRIAGE OF:
MICHELE OCHOA,
Petitioner,

REYNALDO POSA
Respondent
ADDRESS UNKNG
YOU ARE NOTIFY
has been filed ai
are required to
your written defi
on MICHELE
JOSEPH R. Di
ney, whose adc
Tamiami Trail,
FL 34285 on o
5, 2007 and fil
the Clerk of thi
County Courthi
Tamiami Trail, Ve
IF YOU FAIL
DEFAULT MAY
AGAINST YOU
DEMANDED IN
DATED: Decem
KA

VENICE GOND(
PUBLISH:
DECEMBER 6,
DECEMBER 13
DECEMBER 20
DECEMBER 27

IN THE CIRC
THE TWELF
CIRCUIT. I

NOTICE OF ADMIN. NOTICETO CREDITORS
Florida Bar #0088909
Telephone: (941)-955-1316 demands against decedent's,
estate, including un-matured, con-
PUBUSH: December 6,13,2006 tingent or un-liquidated claims,
must file their claims with this court
WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICA-
TION OF THIS NOTICE.

AOus UOCHA audress of- winlcn is arasota NOTICE TO CREDITORS Attorney for Perso
County Judicial, Center, 2002 The administration of the estate of Representative:
OWN Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, PATRICIA K. BRITTINGHAM, David A. Altro, Esq
Florida 34237. The names and deceased, File Number 2006- Florida Bar No. 39
IED that an action addresses of the Personal Repre- CP-9672-SC, is pending in the Cir- 8301 Trans Canad
against you and you tentative and the Personal Repre- cult Court for SARASOTA County, Saint Laurent, Que
serve a copy of tentative's attorney are set forth Florida, Probate Division; the H4S 1Z1
senses, if any, to it below. address of which is Sarasota Coun- Tel: (514)-832-51
OCHOA, c/o All interested persons are required ty Courthouse, Probate Division,
eCIANTIS, Attor- to file with this court, WITHIN P.O. Box 3079, Sarasota, FL PUBLISH: Novemt
dress is 825 So. THREE MONTHS OF THE FIRST 34230-3079. The names and December 6, 200(
Suite 2, Venice, PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE: addresses of the Personal Repre-
ir before January (1) all claims against the estate and sentatives and the Personal Repre- IN THE CIRCUIT I
e the original with (2) any objectionby an interested sentative's attorney are set forth S COUN'
s Court at South person on whom this notice is below. SARASOTA COU
house, 4000 So. served that challenges the validity All creditors of the decedent and PROBATE DI
nice, FL 34292. of the will, the qualifications of the other persons having claims or
personal representative, venue, or demands against decedent's IN RE: ESTATE OF
TO DO SO, A jurisdiction of the court, estate; including unmatured, con- MARY PONTERIO,
SBE ENTERED tingent or unliquidated claims, on Deceased.
FOR THE RELIEF ALL CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS whom a copy of this notice is
THE PETITION. NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREV- served must file their claims with File No: 2006-CF
ER BARRED. this court WITHIN THE LATER OF Divi
ber 1, 2006. 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF
Publication of this notice has begun THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF NOTICE TO CR
REN E. RUSHING on DECEMBER 6, 2006. THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS The administration o
CLERK OF TH AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE MARY PONTERIO,
CIRCUIT COURT Personal Representative: OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON whose date of death
CHERYL ANN DEARDORFF THEM. 23, 2006, is pending
7017 Ellen Avenue All other creditors of the decedent Court for Sarasota
By: N. Ruberton Cincinnati, Ohio 45239, and'other persons having claims or da, Probate Division,
DeputyClerk demands against decedent's which is: Post Offic
LIER Attorney for Personal estate, including unmatured, con- Sarasota, FL 342:
Representative: tingent or unliquidated claims, must names and address
S JACK WM. WINDT, ESQUIRE file their claims with this court sonal representative
2006 2389 Ringling Blvd., Suite A WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE sonal representative
,2006 Sarasota, Florida 34237 DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICA- set forth below.
,2006 Florida Bar #0088909 TION OF THIS NOTICE. All creditors of the
,2006 Telephone: (941)-955-1316 ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED other persons, hav
WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. demands against dei
UIT COURT OF PUBLISH: December 6, 13, 2006 THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICA- on whom a copy of
TH JUDICIAL TION OF THIS NOTICE IS required to be serve
N AND FOR IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR DECEMBER 6, 2006. claims wi t this Cor

SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. 06-DR-11180-SC
IN RE: The Marriage Of:
KIRK V. VOSBURG,
Petitioner
and
LESLIE A. VOSBURG,
Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR
DISSOlUTION OF MARRIAGE
TO: LESLIE ANN VOSBURG
UNKNOWN
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action
for dissolution of marriage has
been filed against you and that you
are required to serve a copy of
your written defenses, to it, if any,
on the petitioner KIRK VOSBURG,
whose address is 1104 Grove-
land Ave, Venice, FL 34285.
A copy of such written defenses, if
any, must be served on or before:
December 29, 2006.
The original of such written defens-
es must be filed with the clerk of
this court, before service on the
petitioner or immediately there-
after. If you fail to do so, a default
will be entered against you for the
relief demanded in the petition.
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida
Family Law Rules of Procedure,
requires certain automatic disclo-
sure of documents and information.
Failure to comply can result in sanc-
tions, includingdismissal or striking
of pleadings.
KAREN E. RUSHING
By: C. Medina
Deputy Clerk
PUBLISHED:
NOVEMBER 29, 2006
DECEMBER 6, 2006
DECEMBER 13, 2006
DECEMBER 20, 2006

nal
q.
15412
la, Ste 1000
bec, Canada
98
ber 29,
6

COURT FOR
TY, FLORIDA
VISION

'-009985-NC
sion: Probate
EDITORS
f the estate of
, deceased,
h was August
g in the Circuit
County, Flori-
the address of
:e Box 3079,
30-3079. The
es of the per-
e and the per-
's attorney are
decedent and
ing claims or
:edent's estate
This notice is
d must file their
rt WITHIN THE

LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER
THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLI-
CATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30
DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SER-
VICE OF A COPY OF THIS
NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent
and other persons having claims or
demands against decedent's
estate, must file their claims with
this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS
AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST
PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED
WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET
FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF
THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE
WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME
PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE,
ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2)
YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE
DECEDENTS DATE OF DEATH
IS BARRED.
THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICA-
TION OF THIS NOTICE IS
DECEMBER 6, 2006.
Personal Representative:
Patricia A. Mahaney
c/o Michael D. Horlick, P.A.
1314 E. Venice Avenue
Suite D
Venice, Florida 34285
Attorney for Personal
Representative:
MICHAEL D. HORLICK
Florida Bar Number: 292583
Michael D. Horiick, P. A.
1314 E. Venice Ave. Suite D
Venice, Florida 34285
(941)-484-5656
PUBLISH: December 6,13, 2006

You are hereby notified that an
Order of Summary Administration
has been entered in the estate of
MARGARET HARINCK,
deceased, File Number 2006-
CP-010831-NC, by the Circuit
Court for SARASOTA County,
Florida, Probate Division, the
address of which is P.O. Box 3079,
Sarasota, FL 34230-3079; that the
decedent's date of death was
JUNE 1, 2006; that the total value
of the estate is estimated to be
$5.000.00 and that the names
and addresses of those to whom it
has been assigned by such order
are:
Name
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as
Trustee of the Margaret Harinck
Revocable Living Trust
Address
1605 Main Street, Suite 800, Sara-
sota, Florida 34236
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS
ARE NOTIFIED THAT:
All creditors of the estate of the
decedent and persons having
claims or demands against the
estate of the decedent other than
those for whom provision for full
payment was made in the Order of
Summary Administration must file
their claims with this court WITHIN
THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN
SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORI-
DA PROBATE CODE.'
ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREV-
ER BARRED.,
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY
OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERI-
OD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2)
YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE
DECEDENTS DATE OF DEATH
IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this
Notice is November 29, 2006.
Person Giving Notice:
Bank of America, N.A.
1605 Main Street, Suite 800
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Attorney for Person Giving
Notice:
Robert T. Klingbeil, Jr., Attorney
Florida Bar No. 366846
Klingbeil & Roberts, P.A.
341 Venice Avenue West
Venice, Florida 34285
Telephone: (941)-485-2900
PUBLISH: November 29, Decem-
ber 6, 2006

OTHER NOTICES

Advertise Today!
NOTICE OF FORFEITURE
PROCEEDINGS
TO: All Persons or entities having
or claiming to have any right, title
or interest in the following property:
$1,929.00 in U.S. Currency
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that
the Sarasota County Sheriff's
Office seized the described proper-
ty on December 20, 2006 in
Sarasota County, Florida. A for-
feiture complaint has been filed in
the Circuit Court, Twelfth Judicial
Circuit, in and for Sarasota County,
Florida, being Case No. 2006-CA-
11458-SC, for the purpose of
obtaining a final order of forfeiture
as to the above described property

PUBUSH: December 6, 13,2006

NOTICE OF FORFEITURE
PROCEEDINGS
TO: All Persons or entities having
or claiming to have any right, title
or interest in the following property:
One 1992 Pontiac Bonneville
VIN: 1G2HX53L4N1219146
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that
the Sarasota County Sheriff's
Office seized the described proper-
ty on October 14, 2006 in Sara-
sota County, Florida. A forfeiture
complaint has been filed in the Cir-
cuit Court, Twelfth Judicial Circuit,
in and for Sarasota County, Florida,
being Case No. 2006-CA-11184-
NC, for the purpose of obtaining a
final order of forfeiture as to the
above described property upon
producing due proof that same was
used in violation of Florida laws
dealing with contraband, pursuant
to the Florida Contraband Forfei-
ture Act, Sections 932.701-707,
Florida Statutes.
KURT A: HOFFMAN, ESQUIRE
General Counsel
Sarasota County
Sheriffs Office
Post Office Box 4115
Sarasota, Florida 34230
Telepfione (941) 861-4059
(941) 861-5800
PUBUSH: November 29, Decem-
ber 6, 2006

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF
THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR THE

COUNTY OF SARASOTA,
STATE OF FLORIDA
IN RE:
Forfeiture of:
2001 KIA SEPHIA SEDAN 4-
DOOR (GREEN)
VIN: KNAFB121915916077
Case No.: 2006-CA-005370-NC
Division "C"
Judge: Deno G. Economou
NOTICE OF ACTION
TO:
Carl Mark Dicintio
6330 14th Street West
Lot 90
Bradenton, FL 34207
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action
to forfeit your interest in the above-
described property in Sarasota
County Florida has been filed, and
you are required to serve a copy of
your written defenses, if any, on
Petitioner's attorney, Diana R.
Esposito, Assistant Attorney Gen-
eral, Office of the Attorney General,
501 East Kennedy Blvd., Suite
1100, Tampa, Florida 33602, if
you wish to contest this forfeiture
action on or before December
22, 2006, and file the original with
the clerk of this court either before
service on Petitioner's attorney or
immediately thereafter. If you fail
to do so, a default will be entered
against you for the relief demanded
in the petition.
Dated: November 15, 2006
KAREN RUSHING
Clerk of Circuit Court
By: Lor Green
Deputy Clerk
PUBLISH:
NOVEMBER 22, 2006
NOVEMBER 29, 2006
DECEMBER 6, 2006
DECEMBER 13, 2006

SARASOTA COUNTY,
FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
IN RE: ESTATE OF
BARBARA A. KLITZ,
Deceased.
File No. 2006-CP-010984-NC
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
The administration of the estate of
BARBARA A. KLITZ, deceased,
File Number 2006-CP-010984-
NC, is pending in the Circuit Court
for Sarasota County, Florida, Pro-
bate Division, the address of which
is SARASOTA COUNTYJUDICIAL
CENTER, 2002 RINGLING
BOULEVARD, Sarasota, Florida
34237. The names and address-
es of the Personal Representatives
and the Personal Representatives'
attorney are set forth below.
All interested persons are required
to file with this court, WITHIN
THREE MONTHS OF THE FIRST
PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE:
(1) all claims against the estate and
(2) any objection by an interested
person on whom this notice is
served that challenges the validity
of the will, the qualifications of the
personal representative, venue, or
jurisdiction of the court.
ALL CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS
NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREV-
ER BARRED.
Publication of this notice has begun
on DECEMBER 6, 2006.
Personal Representatives:
ROBERT G. KLITZ
11540 NW 31st Street
Coral Springs, FL 33065
FREDERICK R. KLITZ
1917 NE 3rd Street
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Attorney for Personal
Representatives:
JACK WM. WINDT, ESQUIRE
2389 Ringling Blvd., Suite A
Sarasota, Florida 34237

Personal Representative:
JERREL E. TOWERY
304W. Venice Ave. #220
Venice, FL 34285
Attorney for Personal
Representative:
JERREL E. TOWERY
JERREL- E. TOWERY, P. A.
Fla. Bar #267351
304 W. Venice Ave #220
Venice, FL 34285
Phone: (941) 485-3391
PUBLISH: December 6, 13, 2006
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR
SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
IN RE: ESTATE OF
PETER ALEXANDER MAAG,
Deceased.
File No. 2006-CP-010675-NC
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of
PETER ALEXANDER MAAG,
deceased, File Number 2006-
CP-010675-NC, is pending in the
Circuit Court for SARASOTA Coun-
ty, Florida, Probate Division, the
address of which is 2000 Main
Street, Sarasota, FL 34230-
3079. The names and addresses
of the personal representative and
the personal representative's attor-
ney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and
other persons having claims or
demands against decedent's
estate, including un-matured, con-
tingent or un-liquidated claims, on
whom a copy of this notice is
served must file their claims with
this court WITHIN THE LATER OF
3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF
THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF
THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS
AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE
OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON
THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent
and other persons having claims or

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HAVE BEEN IN EFFECT DURING THE PAST 90 DAYS. INTERMEDIATE MARKDOWNS MAY HAVE BEEN TAKEN. SALE PRICES IN EFFECTTHROUGH DECEMBER 7,2006, EXCEPT AS NOTED. Some items may be part of a sale in progress. Closeout, clearance,
permanently reduced, new reductions and special purchase items will remain at a reduced price after the event and are available only while supplies last. Sale merchandise is from specially selected groups, unless otherwise described. Always/everyday
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The Peace River/Manasota RegionalWater
Authority meets Wednesday to preview a
revised strategic plan. Members will find no
surprises as the plan calls for the same poli-
cies Director Pat Lehman and his staff have
preached for the past couple of years com-
bining all water resources and exclusivity.
It is a policy we agree with, albeit one that
has been difficult to sell.
Lance deHaven-Smith has written the
plan tweaked after members' input was
solicited.
Here are the key components:
Reorganizing the water-supply manage-
ment to give the authority more control over
water supplies, so the region will be less like-
ly to experience water wars similar to the
costly clashes in the Tampa Bay area and else-

where in the state.
Control of the water must shift from local
governments to the water authority to serve
regional interests rather than local Doing that
provides flexibility to increase the supply and
capacity; allows greater reliance on surface water;
spreads the cost among all members; reduces
water-supply vulnerabilities; and provides for
reserve capacity for emergencies.
To provide a regional supply, all utilities
must be interconnected.
Exclusive customers should have the
highest priority for use of water.
The authority should renegotiate the
2005 contract to eliminate a provision allow-
ing each county government to veto con-
struction projects within its jurisdiction even
if the projects do not involve county facilities.

The authority must maintain a water
supply master plan based on a 20-year plan,
The authority should collaborate with
local governments and permitting agencies
to address threats to the water supply, includ-
ing phosphate mining, agriculture, septic
tanks and urban runoff.
On the eve of presenting this plan to all its
members, the authority and Charlotte
County are involved in ongoing negotiations
over exclusivity.
Charlotte County commissioners have
voted to become an exclusive customer -
only DeSoto County is now if some condi-
tions are agreed on. Those conditions include
preferential treatment if water supplies in the
county are low and in planning new con-
struction; higher rates for nonexclusive mem-

bers; and denying members of the authority
who are not exclusive customers new alloca-:
tions of water, while allowing them to buy.
excess water.
Needless to say, some of the conditions
Charlotte has asked for ruffle the feathers of
other members especially Manatee and
Sarasota counties. And these issues paying
higher rates and guaranteeing supplies dur-
ing droughts are hurdles the authority
hopes to overcome with its strategic plan;
We like the idea that the authority wants to
put in a 20-year master plan and that it is will-
ing to address threats to the water supply -
including mining and urban runoff.
We think the authority is on the right track.
If we are to avoid water wars, as the plan says,
each member must give a little.

They need to get out more

BOB VEDDER
PUBLISHER

The Sarasota County
School Board was going to
reconsider Gary Norris' resig-
nationnext week. Instead, the
members opted to ask him
Tuesday to stay sort of.
A 3-2 vote is not a strong
endorsement and, in fact, is
partlywhyhequittobeginwith.
What they should have
done is what they did before
they hired him to begin with.
Many board members trav-
eled to Salina, Kan., to talk to
people in the schools and the
community to find out about
their potential candidate. The
more than 80 people they
talked to were all positive.
The current situation is a
little different, but nonethe-
less they need to talk. This
time they should have gone
out to lots of the schools and
get the opinions of the staff.
I have spoken to many
teachers in different schools
and found that there is a lot of
concern about Dr. Norris and
the wayhe has introduced his
programs and run the
schools. While the problem is
not so much with the pro-
grams themselves, it is more
with how he has not been lis-
tening to field staff about
their ideas. It has been classic
top-down management.
This school board has not
been in touch with the
schools either, like our school
boards used to be.
Although the members
have made a decision, they
should still get out and find
out what the feeling is.
Listening to their own
employees should be impor-
tant to them.
While community leaders
are in favor of Dr. Norris, they
are not the ones implement-
ing the NeXt Generation plan
or teaching our kids. While I
endorse his staying, it is only
with a plan for pulling togeth-
er a divided staff.
Whether Norris stays or
leaves, the board needs to
make contact with the
schools and be part of the cat-
alyst for change.

BY'S CRACK
The golfer positioned his
ball on the seventh tee when
a gorgeous girl, attired in a
bridal gown, came up to him.
He looked at her, obviously
displeased, and said,"I told
you distinctly, only if it
rained."

The Sertoma Club of
Venice is having a Christmas
morning for small kids at the
YMCA this Saturday, Dec. 9,

from 8 to 11 am. Jim Foubister
has headed this "Meet Santa"
event, coupled with a continen-
tal breakfast and a goodie bag.
Very nice small kids event -
don't miss it
******
Tomorrow night is the tra-
ditional Christmas walk
downtown. All the stores will
be open and have nice things
to drink or eat and, of
course, it will help you get
ahead of the shopping curve.
Bruce Crisman, the new
Venice MainStreet program
manager, has said that many
stores will be open other
Thursday nights leading to
Christmas.
The following Thursday,
Dec. 14, the Venice High
Chorus, will perform at the
fountain on Miami Avenue.
The members are hoping to
raise enough money to go to
Carnegie Hall this spring.
The new city Christmas
decorations really look nice.
Thanks to Marty Black and
the design committee.

Today's Ism: Politicians
and diapers have one thing in
common: They should be
changed regularly and for the
same reason.
******
The Christmas Boat Parade
of Lights was a huge success,
with 46 boats the most
boats in years. Good weather
helped.
John Osmulsld, the chair-
man; Taylor MacPherson;
Jeana Nottingham; Jim
Beach; Irv Knoph; and many
others made it happen. Phil
Phillips of the Venice Police
Department, the fire depart-
ment and sheriff's office all
contributed to the successful
handling of tens of thousands
of people.
****** .
Got a chance to judge sci-
ence projects with 10s of
other volunteers at Venice
Elementary and was incredi-
bly impressed by the stu-
dents' work.
There were projects on
desalination, electromagnetic
fields, reusing water bottles,
angles of shark's teeth and
decomposition of materials.
In this last project, Brandon
Callaghan showed the aver-
age person uses two large
trees a year.
******
There are many Toys for
Tots locations, including
Montgomery Carpets and the
Venice Gondolier Sun.
******
If you get a home-deliv-
ered Gondolier Sun, today
you received an annual calen-
dar of Venice events (they're
not in vending machine and
store copies).
It's in a new format this
year much larger, more
color and many other nice
features. You can get extras at
our office for $3 a great
stocking stuffer.
If you get our paper from a
store or vending machine,
here is a chance to subscribe
and get the calendar free.

THE CASE OF THE TOUCH SCREEN AUDI0T

LETTERS FROM OUR REFERS

School board should reject raise

EDITOR: other races.
On Dec. 12 our part-time school board members, under I'm tired of hearing
Florida law, will discuss and vote on what their next year's 'Jennings say, "This is truly not
salary will be. This state requirement, which came about in about me," when in fact it is
2002, in part says: Each district school board shall annually all about her. I'm tired of
determine the salary of its members. Jennings implying we elderly
In my opinion, our elected board members should vote to people, which includes her,
keep their present board salary of $33,973. are not capable of voting or
I think they get some other benefits besides their base pay. working the election polling
Also, in view of all the recent news concerning this school dis- places.
trict, and understanding that many of the same board mem- I'm tired of Jennings
bers advocated the 1-mill tax renewal in March, our board attacking state staff employ-
members have a great opportunity to lead by example, by ees because they were hon-
keeping their salaries the same. estly doing their job. I'm
Deciding to reject the higher Florida School Board tired of Jennings implying
Association recommendation of $36,930 would go a long way people in Sarasota County
in fostering goodwill to taxpayers in this county. are crooks or incompetent.
I suggest all taxpayers express their views to the board mem- I'm tired of Tennings' "better
bers by e-mailing, writing or calling them before Dec. 12. than thou" attitude of blam-
Contact information is on the district Web site: www.saraso- ing everyone and everything
ta.kl2.fl.us. except herself and the bitter
Compared to other states, Florida school board salaries are campaign that turned off
among the highest; many boards receive much less or even no lots of voters.
pay. May we hope our board members are satisfied with the I'm just tired of Jennings
more-than-adequate current pay they receive for their public acting like a whining 5-year-
service? old kindergarten spoiled brat
I don't think I am the only property taxpayer in this county who does not get her way
who would suggest that as long as the four-year, 1-mill tax is in when all the rules are showing
effect (it expires in 2010), they should impose a moratorium on she is wrong.
any increases in their base part-time pay. But I would feel a lot better
and rested if Jennings would
Norm Lupo shut up, concede the election,
Venice and just fade away.

Watering change all wet
EDITORIAL:
The city's waste manage-
ment pickup personnel do a
fantastic job that is demand-
ing of strength and stamina.
Water department personnel
(in their ivory tower) have
requested changing the water
sprinkler date, which would
soak waste management per-
sonnel, soak garbage and
newspapers.
It's absolute stupidity.

Dorothy Mercer
Venice
Jennings makes her tired
EDITOR:
I'm tired of Christine
Jennings dragging out the
Congressional election for
more than one month. I'm
tired of Jennings' arrogance.
I'm tired of hearing Jennings
talking about the undervotes
in this one race when there
were more undervotes in

Mary O'Nesky
Venice
Undervote raises
doubts for her
EDITOR:
In my Precinct 105,
Holiday Park, on Nov. 7, I
found that my vote for
Christine Jennings did not
record. I went .over it and
tapped the spot again and
then the "Vote" button. I am
not 100 percent sure that my
vote counted. I have voted for

more than 50 years and this is
the first time that I have felt
cheated and angry..
At the time I thought lit-
tle of the lapse; but that
evening on television,
probably Channel 6,
Sarasota, a woman men-
tioned that she and about a
dozen others had experi-
enced the same thing.
When I asked friends here
in my park, several had had
the same thing happen.
, At no time have I heard
anyone who voted for Vern
Buchanan say that his or her
vote did not register.
When I read the roster of
total votes posted on the front
window of our Phase 1
Clubhouse, I took notes. Of
338 total votes cast for U.S.
Senator, there were nine
undervotes.
For Seat 5 for commission-
er in North Port, there was a
total of 322 votes with 25
undervotes. For District 13,
the hotly contested race,
there were 93 votes cast for
Vern Buchanan, 132 votes
cast for Christine Jennings,
and 122 undervotes for a total
of 347.
Does this not throw up a
red flag?
I am a registered Re-
publican and do not know
Christine Jennings from Eve;
however, I switched my vote
because of the dirty cam-
paign waged by Vern
Buchanan. He endorsed all
of the nasty things that were
aired.
Joan Pass
North Port

..

VENICE GONDOLIER SUN 13A

%A/hlldrnAV rwr i ; -nnr IWWI-IVFNIECPrGONDlIE R.CM

LET 'EM HAVE IT! HAVE YOU HAD A

PROBLEM WITH A GENERIC DRUG?

CALL US AT 207-1111.

Sometimes you

need the real thing

Caution. All generics are
not created equal. One of my
generic prescriptions for my
heart disease could have hurt
me. After some investigation,
I found that the generic was
in litigation and the company
had stopped making the
generic, yet the pharmacy
gave them to me. I was told
the FDA had not pulled the
drug. There apparently was a
glut on the market. Two
physicians have confirmed
that that generic was not
good for me. It could have
hurt my heart. The same is
true of another generic drug
given to me, a drug that can
deviate 20 percent each day
- from a 100 mg prescrip-
tion, one day it can be 120, the
next day 80. It's especially
harmful when the drug is to
help your brain and your
behavior. It's extremely seri-
ous. The worst is that your
pharmacist can give you a
generic and your doctor
might never know. If your
doctor writes "brand name
only," it can still be overrid-
den by the pharmacy. Please,
talk with your doctor, let him
or her help you. I'm sure there
are some good generics. Only
"medically necessary" written,
on your prescription will get
you the real thing.

Limited revote. The thing to
do on the vote between
Buchanan and Jennings is to
have a revote on that only. It
shouldn't be impossible to
make a list of all who voted at
the polling places with under-
vote problems, and then allow
only those people to come and
recast their vote for that race, on
paper. I voted absentee on
paper, so I assume my vote was
countedwith no questions. Let's
revote those in question. There's
no way 18,000 people would not
vote unarguably the most
important vote on the ballot
Let it stay. No, the Venice
Police Department gun range
should not be moved. I live on
Capri Isles Boulevard and have
been here for 12 years. The gun
range was here before I moved
here and it is not that bad. These
people were aware of it when
they moved here. Let it stay
where it belongs, near thepolice
station.
No problem. I want to
respond to the article you had
on Mr. Book of Ironwood Circle
regarding the shooting range of
the police department I don't
really see anyproblems with the
shooting range being over there.
It's been there for a long time.
I live closer to the shooting
range than, he does, and it
doesn't bother me.

LET'EM HAVE IT
The Let'em Have It line allows readers to sound off on issues of local
interest Opinions expressed here are solely those of the callers. Personal
attacks on people; attacks on or commercials for businesses; political
endorsements during election season; or opinions or comments other-
wise unfit for publication will not be printed. If you would like to partici-
pate, call the line at 207-1111. Please keep your comments brief; they
are subject to editing.The line is available all hours. Caller identification is
not required.

Sometimes watching Ven-
ice City Council deliberate is
like watching sausage being
made the result may be
acceptable but the process is
not appetizing.
At its Nov. 28 meeting
council approved changes to
its previous decisions con-
cerning facilities and services
at Tramonto Vista Park In an
earlier article I opined that
council might find some
strengths in the arguments
from those who wanted a
more "active" as well as those
seeking a more "passive"
park.
As I see the results of the
meeting, folks wanting vol-
leyball, swingsets, etc. (there
was no conflict over them),
plus three pavilions 60 feet in
diameter and some kind of
performance space, got a
conceptual OK from council.
However, several mem-
bers, primarily Vicki Taylor
(newly elected vice mayor)
and John Moore, raised ques-
tions about the budget
impact for example, the
consultant's plan for a perfor-
mance stage was estimated to
cost more than $500,000.
Taylor and Moore questioned
approving such an item with-
out really having a plan in
front of them.
Almost two years ago
council, at former Mayor
Dean Calamaras' recommen-
dation, had agreed to build
one pavilion and then con-
sider building the others if a

need was demonstrated.
The sausage-making
occurred as council tried to
undo a motion by John
Simmonds to approve the
entire consultant's plan they
had previously only partially
supported.
Moore had just raised his
concerns about costs within
the concept of approving new
feature when Simmonds,
apparently without consider-
ing Moore's suggestions,
moved to approve the old
plan. Almost all council
members had at least some
reservations about that
approach and they began
offering amendments to
Simmonds' motion.
City Manager Marty Black
asked council to be more spe-
cific about parts of the plan
theywished to include so staff
could make detailed specifi-
cations, get bids, etc. Blacks
efforts helped council avoid
approving an amorphous
proposal, as it seemed about
to do.
One amendment to Sim-
monds' motion was to move
the volleyball court to a place
closer to the beach. Another
was to eliminate a fountain
that would shoot processed
wastewater into the air.
Another was to agree to dune
crossings that might also pro-
vide benches for sunset view-
ing, perhaps picnics, in the
style of Service Club Park.
Another was to consider
options for the performance
space, including using' a
mobile stage that is used in
other parks for concerts. Still
another was to consider dif-
ferent roofing materials for
the roofs of the pavilions, per-
haps a Seminole thatch as at
Sharky's, rather than metal.
While City Clerk Lori
Steltzer was trying to keep
council on parliamentary
track, Mayor Fred Hammett
began what appeared to be
an angry exchange with her in

which he seemed to feel he
knew better than she how to
process the amendments.
Steltzer, widely admired for
her competence and cool
temperament, demonstrated
both by a calm response.
Lost in the ad-hoc process
of final approval and not
eliminated was a viewing
platform over the treated-
wastewater lake. Some coun-
cil members thought the plat-
form was looking over the
gulf but later, in informal
comments after the meeting
when I called this to their
attention, they said that pro-
vision would go. Black also
said it would not be part of
the specifications and cost
estimates staff would later
present.
While the advocates ap-
plauded (theoretically a
council "no-no" but which
the mayor did riot limit) as
their spokesman presented
their views and at the end- a
natural expression of their
enthusiasm given their suc-
cessful advocacy in gov-
ernment one learns when the
"fat lady" has not yet sung her
final note.
Certainly council will ap-
prove changes in the direc-
tion they sought, but with a
project that will cost millions
of borrowed dollars and the
understanding that the beach
reef construction will use up
an unknown amount of the
remaining bond funds, some
of the items approved in prin-
ciple will almost certainly be
trimmed back or phased in.
Also still to be determined
is how the county will feel
about administering, i main-
taining and policing an
active, even if limited, perfor-
mance venue. The county
administers many city parks
under an agreement with the
city.
During the public com-
ment period, Web site writer
and editor John Patten

warned the "active" park
group they might have been
used, unknowingly or know-
ingly, as a tool for developers
who are planning an airport
hotel and see a three-pavilion
park with performance space
as a marketing tool.
The group voiced excep-
tion, but the presentation by
Michelle Ryan, an employee
of the Venice Area Chamber
of Commerce as a spokes-
man, along with another
statement by her father,
John Ryan, president of the
chamber, coupled with little
paper badges worn by sup-
porters, did nothing to dis-
pell the notion that the
town's good old boy network
has been instrumental in
establishing this well-
orchestrated "out of thin air"
group.

Looking for a new job,
a second job or a
career switch?

Check the classified
first for the most
complete, up-to-date
employment listings
in the area.

jonBum[]S[un

SCall 207-1200 1

6a .1

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WEDNESDAYnr ULL. fo, ZuuO WWW.VtNvrlrtUUIMlUUv~rK.LVIVI~

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WWW.VENICEGONDOLIER.COM WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6,2006

June O. Anker
June O. Anker of Venice
died Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006.
She was 88.
She was born June 6,1918,
in Chicago and moved to the
area in 1972 from South
Holland, ll. She was a mem-
ber of the Friendship Center
and attended the New Life
Assembly Church.
Survivors include two
sons, Dominic and Nick
Guzzino, both of Illinois; a
daughter, Cheryl Spicer of
Venice; 16 grandchildren; 34
great-grandchildren; and four
great-great-grandchildren.
Services: Visitation will be from
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wed., Dec. 6,
with services to follow, at Lemon
Bay Funeral Home. Burial will be
in Venice Memorial Gardens.
Contributions: Memorial dona-
tions may be made to All
Children's Hospital, 801 6th St.
S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
L. Don Boyce
L. Don Boyce of
Venice died Tuesday,
Dec. 5, 2006. He was
89.'
He was born April 13,
1917, in Chicago, Ill., and
moved to the area in 1978
from Kenosha, Wis. He was a
quality control engineer for
the American Motors Corp.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of
World War II. He was a 32nd-
degree Mason and a Shriner.
Survivors include his wife
of 61 years, Alice; a son, Don
of Venice; a daughter, Patti
Morrison ofVenice; and three
grandsons.
Services: A graveside service
will be at 1 p.m.Thurs., Dec. 7 at

the Chapel of Peace at Gulf
Pines Memorial Park in
Englewood. Lemon Bay Funeral
Home, Venice Chapel, is in
charge.
Contributions: Memorial dona-
tions may be made to TideWell
Hospice and Palliative Care,
5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota
34238.
Edward P Gawne
Edward P. Gawne ofVenice
died Friday, Dec. 1,
2006. He was 68.
He was born Sept. 27,
1938, in Chicago and
came to Venice in 1996
from Yorkville, Ill. He retired
as a sales manager for
Material Service Corporation
in Lockport, Ill. He was a
member of the American
Legion, a volunteer at Venice
Regional Medical Center and
a member of the Aurora
Lamp Lighter choral group.
He was a member of
Epiphany Cathedral in
Venice, and was CCD princi-
pal, teacher and commenta-
tor for both St. Patrick's and
St. Mary's churches in the
Yorkville area. He served in
both the U.S. Army and the
U.S. Army Reserves.
Survivors include his wife

of 26 years, Peggy; four sons,
Edward, Charles, Michael
and Stephen; a brother,
Charles; two sisters, Loretta
Gillen and Kathy Brooks; and
10 grandchildren.
Services: A Mass of Christian
Burial will be held at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 7, at Epiphany
Cathedral. A memorial service
will beheld in Yorkville at a later
date. Farley Funeral Home is in
charge of arrangements. Visit
farleyfuneralhome.com to sign a
guest register book and extend
condolences to the family.
Contributions: Memorial dona-
tions may be made to TideWell
Hospice and Palliative Care,
5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota 34238;
or the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation
International, 120 Wall St., 19th
Floor, New York, NY 10005.
Marion T. Perrin
Marion Theresa Perrin of
Venice died Sunday, Dec. 3,
2006. She was 84.
She was born June 15,
1922, in Chicago, Ill., and
retired to Venice in 1987 from
Pekin, ll. She was a home-
maker. She was active in vol-
untary community work at
Pekin Hospital and Euchar-
istic Minister at St. Joseph's

R[)

Dufgth evie l

ths nrutdt

Church, and in 1967 was
named Pekin Mother of the
Year. She was active as a
member at Our Lady of
Lourdes Catholic Church,
where she served on the
Church Welcoming Com-
mittee. She also visited the
elderly and those confined to
Hospice, Bella Vita and other
nursing homes.
Survivors include her hus-
band, Charles; three sons,
Chuck and John, both of San
Diego, Calif., and Christopher
of Springfield, ll.; six daugh-
ters, Patti of San Diego, Calif.,
Rita of Cornelius, N.C., Teri of
Stilwater, Minn., Nancy of
Summerville, S.C., Ann Elise
of Mishawaka, Ind., and
Melanie of New Braunfels,
Texas; 22 grandchildren; and
two great-grandchildren.
Services: A memorial service
and burial at Our Lady of
Lourdes Memorial Rose Garden
will be announced at a later
date. Lemon Bay Funeral Home
is in charge of arrangements.
Contributions: Memorial dona-
tions may be made to TideWell
Hospice and Palliative Care,
5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota
34238; or St. Anthony
Messenger, 28, W. Liberty St.,
Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Come See The Lights!
You are invited to our 14th annual
Candlelight Celebration
on Saturday, December 9, 2006
Drive Through 6 PM
Service 7 PM
Don't miss this moving experience of
scripture, lights and music.
The cemetery will be lit with 5000 +
luminary candles that produce a spectacle
you must see to believe!
This year's service will be led by Pastor
Gary Gray from Venice Assembly of God
Church.

VENICE MEMORIAL GARDENS

1950 Center Road Venice, FL
www.venicememorialgardens.com

James H.Throckmorton
James H. Throckmorton of
Venice died Sunday, Dec. 3,
2006. He was 64.
He was born Sept. 7, 1942,
in Long Branch, N.J., and
moved to the area 15 years
ago from Wall Township, N.J.
He was employed as a sheet
metal mechanic with De-
Anthony & McDonald Cool-
ing & Heating in Sarasota.
Survivors include his wife
of 43 years, Arlene; a daugh-
ter, Kim Gerace of Venice;
three sons, Jimmy and
Michael, both of Venice, and
Sean of Bricktown, N.J.; a sis-
ter, Carol of Vineland, N.J.;
two brothers, Gary and
Kenny, both of Long Branch;
10 grandchildren; and two
great-grandchildren.
Services: Visitation will be from
2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.Thursday,
Dec. 7, with a service at 6 p.m.,
at Ewing Funeral Home.
Contributions: Memorial dona-
tions may be made to the
American Cancer Society, South
Sarasota/DeSoto County Unit,
2801 Fruitville Road, Suite 250,
Pen West Park, Sarasota 34237.

G. Duane Wilkin
G. Duane Wilkin of Galena,

Ohio, formerly ofVenice, died
Saturday, Dec. 2,2006. He was
84.
He was a resident ofVenice
for 15 years.
Survivors include his wife,
Sharon; two daughters, Marti
and Jenni; two sons, David
and Jeff; four grandchildren;
and three great-grandchil-
dren.
Services: No local services are
planned. Schoedinger Worth-
ington Chapel, Worthington,
Ohio, is in charge of arrange-
ments.

Be one of the first to open an account with us
and enter a drawing for a $500 CD!*
Minimum of $100 required for a new account.
Visit our new branch for details.
48 :' 1ww .ba -ie~o

*Be one of the first to open a checking or savings account with a minimum of $ 100 or a minimum
of $1,000 for a CD with new money (not currently on deposit with The Bank of Venice) from
October 1,2006 through March 31,2007,and you will be eligible for a drawing foi a $500 one-year
CD. Drawings will be held monthly from those eligible accounts opened that month. CD annual
percentage yield (APY) will beAPY in effect at the time of drawing. CD Redeemable at maturity.

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IS CREMATION FOR ME?
"The Thoughtful Planning Seminar"
Limited Seating to First 20 Callers

When: Friday, December 8, 2006 11:30 A.M.

Where: Stefanos Family Restaurant .

401 S. Indiana Ave, Englewood

Subjects Covered
1) Questions about Cremation & Families
2) The Different Types of Remembrance
3) Social Security Death benefits
4) Veteran Death Benefits
5) What is Involved in Transporting a Loved
One North
6) Benefits of a living Will
7) The Importance of a "Power of Attorney"
8) How Does the Privacy Act (HIPA)
Affect You

The simple act of shipping
a holiday package has, like
nearly'everything else in the
American economy, become
fraught with consumer choic-
es.
A generation ago, the only
alternative for most people
was go to the post office, grab
a place in line, and hope the
line moved fast.
Today, there's plenty of
help available, if you're willing
to trade money for time and
convenience.
Pack-and-ship stores have
established a tidy niche
among independent business
opportunities. Although there
are some large chain opera-
tions like The UPS Store, a
pack-and-ship business, re-
quires a relatively modest
amount of capital to start.
Indeed, local indepen-
dents say that their success
depends largely on the level
of personal service they're
able to provide. So, pack-and-
ship is a good business
opportunity for an entrepre-
neur of modest means who's
willing to work hard.
Price-less
Most independent pack-
and-ships will offer U.S.
Postal Service parcel post ser-
vice, with the three major pri-
vate carriers UPS, FedEx
and DHL as alternatives.
They also offer a wide range
of miscellaneous services.
Most will also pack parcels
to a customer's specifications.
Many can crate furniture and
other bulky items and
arrange for freight shipment.
Some do light commercial
printing like business cards,
some handle bulk mailing,
some sell office supplies it's
all a matter of the owner find-
ing a mix of products and ser-
vices that will, hopefully.
artritiep'a6t customers.

The advantage to con-
sumers is that there's never
been so many shipping
options, said GaryVulgamore,
owner of M.B.A. Packing &
Shipping. But there's also a
problem: It's increasingly dif-
ficult to make price general-
izations.
Trade-offs
A 5-pound package going
from Florida to Michigan will
cost more or less depending
on its exact dimensions, its
ZIP code destination, the
amount of insurance desired
and, of course, the speed of
delivery you request.
Oscar Guerrero, owner of
Goin' Postal, said the industry
standard is to use software that
gives customers automatic
price quotes from all carriers on
a particular package.
As a generalization, Guer-
rero said, parcel post is often
cheapest for smaller packages
less than 5 pounds.
"But as the packages get
heavier, the private carriers
become cheaper than the
USPS. And they also provide
insurance automatically and
the packages are completely
trackable," he said.
For example, UPS provides
up to $100 insurance as part
of its service for all packages.
The Postal Serxice charges
$1.35 for the first $50 value.
$2.30 for $100 and $1.05 for
ever- $100 additional value.
Weighty issue
Packages that are light but
bulky may be the biggest
cause of sticker shock, said
lean Waldorf. who with her
T husband. Lee, owns The
Shipping Post.
Her operation is somewhat
different from other local
pack-and-ships because it's
essentially a privately operat-
ed branch of the U.S. Postal
Senrice that's authorized to
COWARD provide nearly all postal ser-
iices, with the exception of

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VENICE GONDOLIER SUN 15A

some international mail. The
Shipping Post also provides
UPS but not FedEx or DHL.
Both the USPS and UPS
have two surcharge levels for
oversize boxes, Waldorf
explained. And she sees many
oversize boxes each
Christmas season, with the
ever-popular stuffed toy ani-
mals the chief culprit.
Sending a big panda bear to
the grandkids might cost
more than one expects.
"People are always asking,
'Why does it cost so much, it
only weighs a few pounds?'
and I have to tell them that it's
because of the size of the
box," Waldorf said.
Sent packing
Along with finding the
cheapest carrier, pack-and-
ship stores can and will pack
your gift parcels, for a fee
varying on the amount of ser-
vice desired.
Jean Vulgamore, who is co-
owner of M.BA with husband
Gary, said that "store-packlater"
services are becoming increas-
inglypopular.
Here's how it works. You do
your Christmas shopping and
drop the goodies at the pack-
and-ship store, with shipping
instructions. The shop will pack
everything to your specifica-
tions and phone you with the
bill All you have to provide is
your credit card number.
"We've had very few com-
plaints," she said.
Some customers prefer to

bring their purchases in, wait
to inspect the boxes and pay
right there. But more choose
the convenience of simply
dropping off their purchases.
Peaking
While stuffing a panda
bear in a box probably won't
tax anyone's packing skill, it
may be best to hire a profes-
sional when shipping fragile
items, especially when there
are several in a single box that
might bump each other dur-
ing shipment.
"If you think you've got
enough packaging around
something, do a little extra.
It's not going to hurt," said
Lesley Collins, who owns
Sunshine Pack & Ship with
her husband, Alan.
"It's a gift so we want
people to be surprised, but
for the right reason, not the
wrong reason," she added.
Seasonal, business will
most likely peak between
now and Monday, Dec. 11,
said Jean Vulgamore. That's
because it's still early enough
in the shopping season to
send a package by the cheap-
est ground transportation
with the expectation of deliv-
ery by Christmas.
So, what's happeningthis
weekend and next is that
many shoppers will be hitting
the stores, and then heading
as soon as possible for either
the post office, one of the pri-
vate parcel services or a local
pack-and-ship.

.ob T 0 -~.. um.a.,. i L .4_.oL~ dou.L~a.LS~i.& C

* Seasuns Alfred Dunner
Leon Levin Erin London
Koret Liz Claiborne

Venice

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VENICE SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Nomination Form
The Venice Sports Hall of Fame will be an annual event where athletes, coaches, teams and
supporters of Venice Athletics are recognized. Those chosen will be memorialized on a "Wall of
Fame" at Bogey's Restaurant. All net proceeds will benefit the Rotary Futures Program at
Venice High School: Deadline for nominations is Monday. January 1,2007.
The criteria for nominees is as follows: Must be 25 years of age. Must have a Venice community
connection with contributions to Venice athletics. Must be in good moral character.
Nominee Information
Name
Address
City St Zip Phone

High School attended

Email High School Class of

Category: Athlete (

Number of years living in Venice

College Class of

Coach ( ) Strong Athletic Involvement ( )

Career Highlights (please feel free to attach additional sheets)
1.) What sports activity(ies) would place him/her into the Hall of Fame:

2.) Time/Date and Place of accomplishments &/or involvement:

3.) Comments about nominees character and/or life accomplishments and contributions to the
Venice community:

Your Information

Name

Phone

Address
City State Zip E-mail
Ad space courtesy of the Venice Gondolier Sun

AMERICAN
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Holiday Baseball
Clinic coming
The 20th annual Holiday
Baseball Clinic will be held
Dec. 27-28 inVenice.
There are two sessions, one
for younger kids and another
for older ones.
Session 1 is for kids ages 7-
12. They will meet from 9
a.m.-12:30 p.m. each day at
Chuck Reiter. Session 2 is for
13-18 year olds. They will
meet 2-5:30 p.m. at Venice
High.
The cost is $60 per player.
The Holiday Baseball
Clinic is operated by Venice
native and and former Major
League player JackVoigt. He is
now a coach with the Mets.
Other local pro/amateur ball
players will help teach the
fundamentals of hitting,
defense and pitching.
Registration forms can be
found at Total Athlete in the
Village Shops and the Bank of
Venice of South Nokomis Ave.
Registrations must be
received by Dec. 14 to guaran-
tee a camp T-shirt. Late regis-
trations will still be accepted.
For more information, call
416-5100.

School's Out Holiday
Volleyball Camp
There will be a three-day
School's Out Holiday Volley-
ball Camp from Dec. 18-20 at
the Pine \'iew School in
Osprey.
All ages and skill levels are
welcome to this camp coming
the first week of holiday
break. It is a perfect preface to
the upcoming middle school
and club seasons.
Instructors include current
Venice High assistant and
VMS head coach Gary Halbert
plus Pine View coach Joe
DiGiacomo. Other former
and currentVHS stars will also
be on staff.
Camp will run from 9 a.m.-
1 p.m. each day. T-shirts,
awards and refreshments are
included in the camp price of
$99.
Call either 928-3433 or 232-
5626 to reserve a spot.

Python 14s need coaches
The Venice Pythons 14 and
under spring team will be
forming soon 'with try-
outs/practice beginning in
December. Players with above
average game and attitude,
especially eighth graders,
should inquire. Contact Jeff
Rhodes at 941-539-3767.
The Pythons 14s are look-
ing for qualified assistant
coaches as well as players.
Coaches could include for-
mer players and members of
the.communitywho can work
individually and in small
groups stressing fundamen-
tals and positive attitudes.

Vikings seek coaches
The Venice Vikings Pop
Warner youth football and
cheerleading association is
now accepting coaches appli-
cations for the 2007 season.
For more information, call
716-1351 after 4 p.m.

George Stritz believes team chem-
istry is an important part of basket-
ball.
Play like a family win as a family.
Play as individuals lose as individ-
uals.
Stritz's Venice High girls team came
together Tuesday night to win handily
on the road, 44-23, over Lakewood
Ranch.
The Lady Indians improved its
overall record to 5-4 and its district
mark to 3-1.
"We played as a team," Stritz said.

Another tie

for VHS

girls soccer

STAFF REPORT

TheVenice High girls varsi-
ty soccer team stretched its
tie streak to two matches fol-
lowing a 2-2 deadlock with
Riverview Monday night at
Powell-Davis Stadium.
Venice had one-goal leads
twice in the match, only to
see the Sarasota squad fight
back both times.
Venice's record is now 6-1-
2. Riverview is 3-4-2.
Amber Clark gave Venice a
1-0 lead on a beautiful feed
from Melanie Murphy.
Riverview came back to tie
it as Lacey Siegel scored.
Venice reclaimed the lead
at 2-1 as Monet Strammer
found the back of the net.
Riverviewtied it in the final
minute on an indirect kick
inside the box. Elisha

"We played
great man-to-
man defense
andweexecuted *
on:the offensive
end. We took
care of the ball."'
V e n ice
jumped out to a
healthy 13-4
advantage after Stritz
a quarter. Ranch
crawled to within 21-16 at halftime,
but the Lady Indians put the Lady
Mustangs away with a 12-3 third
quarter. The score was 33-19 entering

the final period, which was dominat-
ed byVenice.
Venice was led by Natalie
Gaudreau's 14 points. Samantha
Worthington was also a force with 12
points. She connected on a three-
point goal. Ashley Ream continued
her steady play with nine points,
The Venice varsity has another big'
district game Thursday night as North
Port comes to the Teepee.
In junior varsity action Tuesday,
Venice improved its record to 5-1 with
a 32-17 victory over Ranch. Leanna
Whipple had 11 points. Dorothy
Rahal and Kristen Jutras had seven

Venice will play host to at the feet of the Lady
Lakewood Ranch on Friday Ranchers.
night. The Lady Indians'
lone loss of the season came

Indian matmen th at

East Lake, Consul second

STAFF REPORT

The Venice High varsity
wrestling team hit its first
tournament of the season
Friday and Saturday in
Tarpon Springs.
The young Indians were
respectable, placing seventh
out of 22 teams competing at
the East Lake Invitational.
The top team in the state
- BrandOn placed first in
the event.
Venice had one wrestler
place second, one place third
and another fourth.
Wade Consul was second
at 119 pounds. He won three
matches and lost in the final.
Jim Foubister was third at 215
pounds. He finished with a-
record of 5-1. Tyler Spann also
placed, taking fourth at 140
pounds. He had a record of 4-
2.
Brian Radtke didn't place
at 160, but he posted a win-
ning mark at 3-2.
Several Indian matmen

VENICE HIGH

SCHOOL'S

SPORTS PUB-.)
652 E. Venice Ave.
941.488.9156
www.bogeys-venice.com

Kelly
won two and lost two Will
Molthop (145), Billy Field
(152) and Seth Goodley (189).
Andrew Saputo was 1-2 at
171. Going 0-2 were Casey
Hayes (112), Doug Little
(130), Tony Gonter (135) and
Ted Stahura (275).
The Venice varsity will pay
its annual visit to the Captain

Archer Memorial this
Saturday at Charlotte High in
Punta Gorda. Action begins at
10 a.m. The finals are at 8p.m.
Coach Dan Kelly is hoping
his bunch keeps improving as
the season progresses.
The Venice junior varsity
wrestling team participated
in the Lemon Bay Tourn-
ament on Saturday. No team
score was kept.
Venice had one individual
champion in Joe Angelicci at
145 pounds. Kevin Rouhan
was third at 135 pounds. The
Indians had a number of
fourth-place finishes. The
cast included Mike Crain at
119, Sean O'Brien at 125,
Austin Copes at 171, Kyle
Gilbert at 215 and Tony Kopp
at 275.
Taking fifths were Colton
Schuchert (103) and James
Woike (152). Spencer Hart-
well was sixth at 160.
The JVs will participate in a
tournament at Charlotte High
on Friday.

Athlete of the Week

The Venice High girls soccer team improved its
record to 6-1 with a big 1-0 victory over Manatee last
week. Junior forward Amber Clark had the lone goal
for the Lady Indians.

Every Saturday during'the
fall, hundreds of kids and
their parents flock to the
Garbrandt Soccer Complex as
Venice Area Youth Soccer
Association in-house matches ', .
take place.
LEFT: Little Jayden
Swafford of Fireside Homes
.- clears a ball from the zone.
the Dominoes puts his all into i
a throw-in.
LOWER RIGHT: Blue Bear
Dlavers look to remove the '-tr:

RULES: The Venice Gondolier will pay to the
entry which most correctly identifies the 10 game
S winners. In case of a tie, the cash award will be
given to the entrant with the correctly chosen
team in the tie breaker game. If they are still tied,
it then goes to the closest to the total points
0 scored in the tie breaker game listed without
going over total points.. The prize money will be
divided if after the use of the tiebreaker a tie still
exists. All entries must be in the hands of the
Venice Gondolier by Friday, NOON (SHARP)
B of each week of the contest following the
Wednesday publication date. Circle one game
from each ad. Games listed at bottom of ADS.
A One entry per person. Sun Coast Media Group
employees and their relatives are not eligible.
Send or bring entries to Venice Gondolier Sun,
L Venice, FL 34285 or FAX at 485-3036.
Winner Will Be Announced Next Week
L ENTRY FORM
Circle One For Each Game
SColts @ Jaguars
.,... Bills @ Jets
Patriots @ Dolphins
Giants @ Panthers
SVikings @ Lions
Falcons @ Bucs
Titans @ Texans
Packers @ 49ers
Saints @ Cowboys
S Bronocs @ Chargers
6 R Tie Breaker:
', Ravens @ Chiefs
Total Points

/ Pleasi
i Name

e fill out:

Address

~~State
Z flp

:WEEKEND SERVICE AVAILABLE
1-800-767-3113
"i: In Business Since 1946
viL:, ; : .

Six area employees who participated in the First Time Homebuyer
Orientation Seminar hosted by The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce
and the Community Housing Trust of Sarasota County have been
prequalified and are taking their first steps towards purchasing a new
home!

This is a great success for the Chamber and the Community Housing
Trust of Sarasota County! To further that success, the First Time
Homebuyer Orientation program will continue with four more orientation
dates: December 11, January 17, February 12, and March 21.

Each class is held from 5:30 6:30pm at the VACC office, 597 Tamiami
Trail S., Venice. The orientation will provide participants with details

regarding the home buying
overcome common home bu
ment form, they will be giver
need to follow to buy their fit

Please call the CHT to reser
of: most recent pay stubs to
$8.33 for individual or $16.
Federal Income Tax return w

WE MEAN BUSINESS!

AREA 4488-2236

3 WWW.VENICECHAMBER.COM

^^^^B^ ^~~i\5

process. They will leave knowing how to
ring obstacles. If they complete the assess-
Sa road map detailing the directions they'll
st home.

Chamber Members Memorialize MacKenzie with Arboretum Palm
Chamber members contributed to this coconut palm now planted in West Blalock Park setting. Please contact VABI at 207-8224 if you are interested in sponsoring a palm tree
at the new Venice Arboretum as a memorial to Brent MacKenzie. Brent, the son of to honor someone, your business, or favorite organization.
former Venice Area Chamber Chairman of the Board Pat MacKenzie and her husband
Mike, passed away suddenly due to illness in October. Donations for Brent's tree exceeded the cost of the palm and the
remaining funds will be donated to Brent's favorite charity, the United Way. Please con-
The Venice Arboretum is a partnership project between the City of Venice, Gulf Coast tact John Ryan, 488-2236 at the VACC, if you'd like to make a further donation in Brent
Community Foundation of Venice and Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI). The Arbo- MacKenzie's name.

retum allows visitors to study the characteristics of many palms in a convenient, relaxed

One of the daily pleasures of the Chamber staff is the opportunity to reler a
Chamber member to an inquinng.area resoieni or another Chamber member;
Recently, a Chamber member-io-member referral proved to be an initial
success plus an added bonus.

A Chamber member wrote: "I want to thank the Chamber for referring Tim's
Automotive of Venice for my car's issues. What a great experience! They
were up front, honest and fixed my car in a timely manner!"

The letter writer continued, "I also, wanted you to know that recently on a
trip from Orlando I stopped at a rest area about 50 miles from Venice on I-
75 and my car wouldn't restart (this had nothing to do with the service
provided by Tim and his staff). I called Tim and he suggested that to save
cost, it would be better to contact someone for assistance nearby. I did
that and while waiting all day for the automotive fiasco to get resolved at
the rest area, Tim graciously called me to see if I was O.K. and if I got
someone to help me!! Now that's service and caring about his customers."

The Education and Business Development Committee agreed in naming
Tim's Automotive of Venice our Business of the Month Award winner.

Tim's Automotive of Venice, Inc. is located at 208 B. Warfield Avenue in
Venice.

Had A Good Experience With A Local Company?
Let Us Know About It! Nominate A Business Today!
Tell your friends and neighbors about a good experience you had with a
local company, by nominating that business for the VACC's Business of
the month! Call the Chamber at 488-2236 for more information on how you
can help publicize their good deeds!

Congratulations to the \ACC's 2006
Business of the Year Award Winners:
Small Business Category: Ecowater Systems
Medium Business Category: Gulfside Mortgage Services
Large Business Category: Tervis Tumblers
Non-profit/Not-for-profit Category: Beacon House

BY SUSAN CAIRO
SSTAFF WRITER
On the 65th anniversary of
the attack on Pearl Harbor, a
Venice High graduate will be
setting foot in the Middle East
to do his part in another war.
Before Pfc. Brandon
Gaudin Henry left for Iraq, he
spoke to Barbara Farrar's
World Culture Geography
class. A 2005 VHS graduate,
Henry talked with students
about what it's like to be a sol-
dier today.
He is a member of the U.S.
Army's 10th Mountain
Division, and he will be arriv-
ing in Baghdad Dec 7.
"There is nothing stronger
than a U.S. Army soldier,"
Henry said. "The Army isn't
for everyone, but I knew it
was for me."
After 9/11
"After 9/11 happened, I
knew then and there my des-
tiny was to become an
American soldier in the U.S.
Army," Henry said.
He serves as a gunner in
the 543rd Military Police
Company known as the War
Dragons. He told students
what the military police do in
the combat zone as well as in
the states.
Trains Iraqi police
He is in the second pla-
toon nicknamed The
SReapers which will train
Iraqi police. They will be in
Iraq for one year.
Farrar asked Henry what
the Army has taught him so
far.
"It definitely taught me not
to take anything for granted,
Slike-the simple things in life,"
a he said.
Henry cited a roof over his
Head, a warm meal and a dry

place to sleep as things ,the
Army has taught him to
appreciate.
Choices
His talk with the students
focused on their choices.
"I told them that their
actions now will affect their
lives later down the road," he
said.
"Everybody will come to a
point in their life when they
think they can't go on, but you
just have to keep your chin up

and drive on."
Henry is an Army brat. His
father is a retired combat
engineer. His last duty station
was Fort Drum, N.Y., which is
the same location where his
son was stationed before
being deployed to Iraq.
Henry plans to speak to the
entire student body about his
experiences when he returns
from Iraq.
You can e-mail Susan
Cairo@Venicegondolier.com.

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Ring in the holidays
The North Port Orchestra
presents "Seasons Greetings,"
Sunday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at
the North Port Performing
Arts Center at North Port High
School, 6400W Price Blvd.
The Handbell Choir of
North Port will be featured to
help ring in the season.
Members of the band,
chorale, orchestra and com-
munity make up the Handbell
Choir. Geoff Winters, from
radio station WARM (92.1
FM), will narrate "TWas the
Night Before Christmas." The
orchestra also will perform
music from the "Nutcracker"
ballet, the hit movie "Polar
Express" and the sounds of
Mannheim Steamroller.
Tickets are $8 per person
and may be purchased 'at the
North Port Performing Arts
Center box office located on
the high school campus. Box
office hours are Monday
through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1
p.m., as well as one hour
before the performance. The
box office phone number is
(941) 426-8479 or (866) 406-
7722.
Chime in
The Salvation, Army of
Venice is looking for bell
ringers for its annual kettle
campaign. There will be ket-
tles at locations such as Publix
Super Markets in Venice,
North Port and Englewood,
through Dec. 23. Ringers gen-
erally volunteer for two-hour
shifts so a group of five friends
could cover a whole day, 10
a.m.-8 p.m. Church and office,
groups often adopt kettles for
a day, a week or even for the
entire campaign. St. Marks,
Venice Presbyterian and the
Venice Nokomis Methodist
Church are just some of the
churches whose members
commit to manning a kettle
for the entire season. Kettles
are not manned on Sundays.
To learn how you can help
with thO campaign, which
generates money for a variety
of needs inthis area, call Capt.
Chris Farrell or kettle chair
Fred McCloe at (941) 484-
6227. The people who receive
a Thanskgiving meal that they
would not otherwise have
and the children who receive
holiday gifts they might not
have and people made home-
less for some reason, all will
thank you. When kettles can-
not be manned for the whole
day, the Salvation Army occa-
sionally has to pay people to
ring the bell. This cuts into the
proceeds of an organization
that works so hard to keep its
costs down so that as much
money as possible goes where
needed rather than for
expenses. Please help.
If you cannot man a kettle
but would like to contribute,
send your check to the
Salvation Army of Venice
Kettle Drive, 1051 Albee Farm
Road, Venice, FL 34292.

Read Kim Cool every
Wednesday and
Friday

ClearChannel Marketing Manager Teresa Evan and Gunther
Kern of Nokomis appeared on a recent edition of The New
Florida Kitchen, starring Chef Rolf Zahnd.

SUN PHOTOS BY KIM COOL
Chef Rolf Zahnd cracks stone crab claws in preparation for the taping of his TV show, The New
Florida Kitchen. In the background is a portion of the Le Cornu stove, which had to be set into
place with a crane.

BY KIM COOL
FEATURES EDITOR

A local cooking show, The
New Florida Kitchen, is on TV
77 times a week on four dif-
ferent channels.
Its star, Chef Rolf Zahnd,
co-owner of the 10-year-old
Saltwater Cafe in Nokomis,
plays himself on the locally
produced reality show. He has
done more than 114 shows
and is well into his third year
as a TV personality.
Unlike food prepared on
other reality shows, the food
prepared by Chef Rolf is quite
tasty. Most of the time, the
recipes prepared on the show
are right off the Saltwater

SALTWATER BY
THE NUMBERS
3 soup selections on any
given day
4 number of channels on
which to watch The New
Florida Kitchen
10 one penny more than the
cost of Rolf's Fish Fry
29 number of cents to buy
an oyster at Saltwater Cafe
77 number of times each
week Chef Rolf is on television
80 staff overseen in army
kitchen
116 number of shows taped
so far
300 number of items on
menu
500 bottles of wine in the
cellar at Saltwater Cafe
1,000 number of lobsters
ordered for annual lobster fest
5,000 number served each
day as chef for the Swiss Army

George Anderson, fore-
ground, and Chef Rolf Zahnd
prepare to flame some veg-
etables in the kitchen of the
Saltwater Cafe in Nokomis.

menu, but prepared in small-
er quantities for show guests
- real people from the area.
With so many viewings,
the guests often become as
recognizable as the chef.
Shows are taped in his own
Florida kitchen, on the lanai
of his Venice house. Guests sit
on raised chairs on the pool
side of a tilpd counter, which
gives them a great view of the
proceedings. The chef holds
forth in the heart of it all,
working primarily at the cen-
ter island, which contains a
built-in range and oven.
Behind him is a grill, addi-
tional ovens and to one side,
additional counter space and
a sink. Below and in front of
the counter where the guests
are served, there is another
sink that can be filled with ice
to chill bottles of beer, wine
and sparkling Saratoga Water
from Gold Coast Eagle
Distributing, which supplies

the restaurant.
I was a guest on a recent
show, with Gunther Kem of
Nokomis, ClearChannel
Marketing Manager Teresa
Evan, Melissa Chambers, Tod
Matthews andBobAlexander of
ClearChannel's station WIKX, a
country music station.
We dined on stone crab
claws with a remoulade
sauce, grilled crab-stuffed,
saffron rice, asparagus and,
for dessert, broiled grapefruit
with vanilla ice cream and
strawberry sauce. Show seg-
ments are planned to show-
case the food preparation and
also to introduce guests, who
are usually from the area.
Zahnd lives in a multi-
kitchen home
When we arrived for the
taping, the chef was in his
home's indoor kitchen, using
the back of a large chef's knife
to crack stone crab claws, in
preparation for the show. On
camera in the Florida kitchen
a few minutes later, he did
more claw cracking, this time
using a large table spoon,
which proved equally effec-
tive and looked to be less
dangerous.
Between the two kitchens,
Zahnd has gas and electric
stoves and ovens, boilers,
grills, a built-in deep fat fryer,
two trash compactors, stand-
up refrigerators, drawer
refrigerators, at least two
dishwashers, slide-out spice
racks and more. A brass-
trimmed black double-wide
Le Comu range, which had to
be installed before the back
wall of the kitchen was com-
pleted, is the focal point of the
new two-story family

room/kitchen. A walk-in
wine cellar is nearby, off the
home's dining room.
For that day's show, he pre-
pared crab claws with a dip-
ping sauce as an appetizer,
crab-stuffed shrimp over saf-
fron rice, topped with aspara-
gus for the entree and grape-
fruit'topped with brown sugar
and broiled for dessert. The
grapefruit was set upon a
drizzle of strawberry sauce
and accompanied by a scoop
of vanilla ice cream.
Matthews and Alexander
helped with the shrimp
preparation. Evans and
Chambers put the brown
sugar on top of the grapefruit,
and I helped plate it up by
drizzling the strawberry
sauce on the plate.
That is the general format
of the show- Zahnd involves
his guests in the preparation.
The taping was finished in
less than an hour and as we
were leaving, the chef was
alreadymakingpreparations for
the taping of a second showthat
day He tapes one show at 11
a.m. and the second at 1 p.m.
Shows usually air within a week
or two. When the last show was
on tape, Zahnd headed off to
the next kitchen the one in
his restaurant, The Saltwater
Cafe.
The restaurant
Zahnd is a man who sim-
ply likes to cook, whether at
home or at work. Married to
Barry Moore, the daughter of
Venice City Councilman John
Moore, Zahnd often cooks at
home, too, simply because he
enjoys it so much.
The couple also likes to eat
out.
"We go for dinner," he said.
"The kids want pizza and
Barry wants her salad."
Raised in Switzerland, Rolf
has been cooking nearly all
his life, first in Swiss restau-
rants and later in South Africa
and other European coun-
tries before he came to

Florida. His management
skills were honed in the Swiss
Army where he supervised a
staff of 80 and prepared
meals for 5,000 each day -
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Several years in culinary
school and several diplomas
later, Zahnd earned the desig-
nation of Master Chef.
His parents came first to
the United States, moving to
Venice. One day when they
were dining at the Mucky
Duck on Captiva Island they
learned the restaurant was in
need of a chef, and they told
the owner about their son.
The owner called Zahnd but
Zahnd didn't return the call
for six months. When he final-
ly did make that call, he was
hired. He met Barry at the
Mucky Duck where she was
the manager.
Eventually, the chef's par-
ents, Pavel and Katharina
Roubel, learned that the two-
year-old Saltwater Cafe was
for sale by its New York
founders.
Togetherness
"Let's all go together," they
said. And they did.

Please see KITCHEN, 9B

Chef Rolf's outdoor kitchen, where he tapes The New Florida
Kitchen, features electric and gas stoves and a grill plus sinks
and preparation area. Plates of stone crab claws are ready to
be served to guests.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMPHIBIOUS
FORCES MEMORIAL MUSEUM
The U.S.S. Washtenaw County
(LST 1166) was commissioned
in 1953 in New Orleans, La.
She is a 384-foot, 1156 class
Landing Ship Tank currently
undergoing restoration.

An Amphibious Forces lun-
cheon takes place at 11 a.m.
the first Wednesday of each
month at the American
Legion of Venice, No-Vel Post
159, 1770 E. Venice Ave. Call
(941) 497-0345.

Music events
* Joe and Dick Rivers perform
in the Great Room at the
Senior Friendship Center, 1-3
p.m., at 2350 Scenic Drive.
Call (941) 584-0075.
* Jim Brenner & Friends per-
form 2-4 p.m. Wednesday at
the downtown Gazebo. The
group features Brenner on
trombone, sax and flute; Bill
Casey on keyboard; Lou
Cruise on drums; Liz Smith
on vocals; and Larry Smith on
bass and vocals.
Victorian Tea
The Venice Art Center holds
its annual Victorian Tea at
3:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 8 at 390
S. Nokomis Ave. Volunteers
will serve tea and desserts to
guests. The student chorus of
Epiphany Cathedral School
will entertain Dec. 6; the
Madrigal Singers of Venice
High School will perform
Dec. 8. Tickets: $25 for adults,
$15 for children. Call the art
center at (941) 485-7136.
Get involved
* Democracy for America
meets 7-9 p.m. at Venice
Public Library, 300 S. Noko-
mis Ave. Speaker is Robert
Moran. Call Stephanie Har-
rison at (941) 474-1551.
* The Democratic Club of
Sarasota hosts a luncheon
Saturday, Dec. 9, featuring
Lori Lipman Brown, at the:
Serendipity Racquet Club at
Country Club of Sarasota,
3600 Torrey Pines Blvd. Social
at 11:30 a.m.; lunch at noon.
Cost: $20.for members, $25
for nonmembers. RSVP by
Dec. 6 to (941) 379-9233 or
reserve@sarasotadems.com.
Hoosiers meet
The Indiana Club meets for',
potluck at 5:30 p.m. at Lemon
Bay Park, 570 Bay Park Blvd.,
Englewood. All present and
former Hoosiers welcome..

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNCOAST HUMANE SOCIETY
Peanut is a 6-8 months old, 37-pound cur dog mix. Peanut
is an active puppy but very friendly. She is working on
learning the sit command, and will need someone to give
her some puppy training. Come meet Peanut at Suncoast
Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood, call
(941) 474-7884 or visit humane.org.

New Approaches to the-,
N wPhapmaohostoete FREE Community Education Program
of Schizophrenia Doors open to the public 8:30 a.m.
Herbert Mehaer,MD (Moderator)
oHerber MeItzt.MD Registration required for
Wonder~ l Uiwi professionals only at 8:30 a.m.

Annemarie Post of the USF
Extension presents a program
on how to select citrus for the'
home landscape at 2 p.m. at
Shamrock Park, 3900 West
Shamrock Drive. The class is
free but registration is re-
quired. Call (941) 861-5000
and ask for Sarasota County
Extension, Ext. 19900, or reg-
ister online at sarasota.exten
sion.ufl.edu.

Eleanor Alpert exhibits her fiber work
and acrylic art in the Temple Sinai Open
Studio Series, with a preview 5:30-7:30
p.m., Friday, Dec. 8,.in the Women of Sinai
Judaica Gallery and Gift Shop, 4631 South
Lockwood Ridge Road. Receptions to meet
the artist will be held 7-9 p.m., Saturday,
Dec. 9, and 2:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec.
10. The gallery is open 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,
Wednesday and Thursdays, and Fridays
before services.
The show runs through January. Call
(941) 924-1802 or (941) 346-6030.

Dreams of a school bus
Right to Learn and Louise Brunberg, who founded
"Escuela Suenos de Louisa" (Dreamsof Louise) elemen-
tary school in Nagarote, Nicaragua, have teamed up for
a fundraiser at Venice Community Center, Friday, Dec.
8, at 6 p.m. All proceeds will go toward the purchase of
a second-hand bus for the school. Brunberg will host

the dinner party, featuring a home-cooked buffet,
silent auction, slide show featuring the school and
community, and entertainment. Performing will be the
Venice Elementary School choir directed by Roberta
Reale, George Drummond Group, Ed Helms reading the
works of Mark Twain, and the Babiak Ensemble folk
dancers, featuring Latin dance. Cost: $20 per person.
Tickets will be available at the door. Call (941) 486-
4249.

Swami lecture
The Asia-Latina Cultural Organization and
Sriyukteswar Kriyayoga Society welcome Swami
Yogeswarananda Giri, who presents a lecture on
Kriyayoga at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7, at Venice Public
Library, 300 S. Nokomis Ave. The public is welcome to
this free event. Call the Asia-Latina Cultural
Organization at (787) 724-7009.

'Lights in Bloom'
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens presents a tropical
holiday celebration, Dec. 8-23 and Dec. 26-30 at 900 S.
Palm Ave., Sarasota. See light displays, gardens, a train
provided by the Sarasota Model Railroad Club and
more. Entertainment will be provided and guests may
purchase refreshments. Admission is $12 for adults, $6
for ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and younger. Call
(941) 366-5731.

Anna May Schmaltz of Nokomis, Fla.,
turned 90 years old on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006.
She is pictured here with five of her great-
grandchildren: In front are Kevin, Taylor and

Ryan Wallace. In back ar el and Russell,
Gineo. A party was givth r honor at the
home of her daughter, ClT~ine Gineo in
Nokomis.

Florence Coseglia celebrated her O00th.
birthday Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006. She worked
as a secretary at Hot Point tG.E. in Odk Park.
Ill. .
She is the parent of the iate Robert i Bob)
Coseglia. .. :

She has two grandchildren, Chris and Kim.
Mrs. Coseglia celebrated her birthday with
a party at the Orleans Condominium with her
grandchildren; her former daughter-in-law
and her husband, Linda and Roger Engstrom;
and many friends at the Orleans.

anized) headquarteredat Camp bers of the U.S. armed forces
Liberty. Soldiers from -Fort and coalition forces participat-
Hood's 4th Infantry Division 'ing in efforts to free and secure
assigned to various special Iraq..Mission objectives focus
troops battalions, companies. on force protecton,peacekeep-
and batteries perform.duties at ing, stabilization, security and
several camps and forward counter-insurgency operations
operating base, in Iraq. The sol- asthe Iraqi transitional govern -
diets' actions, dedication, pro- ing bodies assume full sovereign
fessionalism and selfless senice powers to govern the peoples of
contribute to the successful Iraq.
accomplishment of combat Members from all branches
missions assigned to the Fires of the U.S. military and multina-
Brigade. On completing di, tional forces arealsoassisting in
dtploniment to Iraq, the soldiers rebuilding Iraq's economic and
will return to their regular units govenimnental infrastructure.
at Fort Hood. Killeen. Texas. anduraining and preparing Iraqi
Operation Iraqi Freedom is. military 'and security forces to.
the official name given to mili- "assume full authority and
tarn operations in\ol\ing mem- responsibility in defending and

preserving Iraq's sovereignty
and independence as a democ-
racy.
Arnold is a signal platoon
leader with one year of mili-
tary service.
She is the daughter of Ted
A. and Janelle A. Arnold of
Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Her husband, Cham, is the
son of Patrick McAllister of
Wayland, N.Y, and Maurine
McLaughlin of Sarasota, Fla.
SThe lieutenant graduated
in 2001 from Thunderridge
High School, Highlands
Ranch, and received a bache-
lor's degree in 2005 from the
U.S. Military Acadenmy. West
Point, N.Y.

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G(elratc.s 20 years of

PH-l T i t-PTEi I--: Erl o' l
60TH ANNIVERSARY

Truzzolino

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel
Truzzolino of Venice, Fla.,
celebrated their 60th wed-
ding anniversary on Friday,
Nov. 10, 2006,' on a
Caribbean cruise with their
children and grandchildren.
The couple were married
in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1946,
and moved to Venice in
1981. Mrs. Truzzolino is the

Matt Berke, a fifth grader at Venice Elementary School, with his science project for the Science
Fair.

VHS teachers receive grants from VHS Foundation

STAFF REPORT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VEE GARY-C1lULLI
Nikki Coleman and Shari Valencic-Ursel were the Science Fair Coordinators for the recent 2006
Science, Engineering and Technology Fair held at Venice Elementary School.

Sertoma education winners for November

COURTESY PHOTO
The Venice Sertoma Club honored three winners from Venice High School for the month of
November, two Venice High School students and a teacher. (Left) Nancy Brantley, teacher, (mid-
dle) Trevor Pelletier, and Pamela Groff. Greg Miller (far right) is head of the education awards
program for Sertoma.

VHS Medical Academy Students walk for autism

The Venice High School
Foundation, which met
recently, has awarded 18
mini-grants of up to $600
eah to 18 VHS teachers total-
ing $9,248.29, announced
Andrew J. Britton, foundation
president.
Miles Mowry received a
grant to be used to purchase
assorted audio/video equip-
ment in order to update and
replace graphic systems and
software.
Steve Johns was awarded
funds to purchase new con-
cert folders for the VHS cho-
rus. These will be used to
replace the folders in use at'
present, which are 11 years
old and extremely worn.
Lynn -laines and Jason
Potter were awarded a grant
to purchase approximately 30
calculators, which will be
used every day by 73 students
in solving equations.
Linda Reynolds and Marty
Orr received funds to pur-
chase copies of "Gifted
Hands" and "Of Mice and
Men" in order to'provide stu-
dents with high interest nov-
els to be used to conduct liter-
'ature circles.
Grants awarded
Paul Bono and Kathleen
Patterson were awarded a
grant to provide Intensive
Reading Classes with high
interest texts to stimulate and

maintain their reading skills.
Laray Biziewski was
awarded funds to allow up to
200 300 students access to
outside/summer reading
books so that if a student is
unable to obtain a copy or
cannot afford a copy, it will be
provided to them.
LeAnne Baker and Leslie
Bachtel received a grant in
order to purchase assorted
science lab equipment such
as safety goggles, micro-
scopes, prepared slides.
Alice Sciarrino was award-
ed a grant to prepare and sub-
mit images of selected angles
of the Lord family home to
the Historical. Preservation
Society to assist in the historic
designation of the home.
Joyce Williams received a
grant to purchase a DVD 27-
pack of Alton Brown's "Fast
Food Survival Guide" to help
students better understand
the connection between sci-
ence and cooking.
Mike Bartlett was awarded
a grant to purchase a Hewlett
Packard 1320 N net workable
printer to be used by all stu-
dents in the media center.
Barbara Farrar, David
Porvaznik, Glen Compton
and Dan Kelly were awarded
a grant to purchase 31 copies
of "It's A Jungle Up There." A
large percentage of FCAT
reading is nonfiction and this
will give students reading
practice in the science con-
tent area.

The books author will be a
speaker at this year's Literary
Week atVenice High School.
Sandra Mastropieri, S.
Noordeloos, David Porvaznik,
Dan Kelly, Charles Powell,
Barry Rossheim and Charles
Powell received a grant to
purchase supplies for.aquari-
um projects and for animal
maintenance in their various
science classes.
Debra Brown received a
grant to purchase basic lab
equipment for hands-on
activities. This equipment will
be used by the Chemistry,
Biology and Physical Science
departments.
Science equipment
Allen Pfundtner was
awarded a grant to purchase
science kits and laboratory
equipment to be used in
Physical Science classrooms.
Charra Harris was granted
funds to replace used PH
paper in labs and a safe and
stable area/unit for drying
glassware so as to provide a
hands-on laboratory to view
human tissue samples.
Steve Case was awarded a
grant to purchase an outdoor
weatherproof camera to
mount on the top of the
Venice High School weather
station to enable students,
teachers or community
members to view the current
weather. This will also serve
as a hurricane resource
observation tool.

Students from the Medical
Academy of Venice High
School participated in a walk
for autism recent on the
Punta Gorda campus of
Edison College.
Chaperones Carole Losey
and Brenda Randazzese
helped by supervising games
and a bounce house, making
popcorn, cotton candy, serv-
ing hot dogs, and assisting
with registration of partici-
pants.
Participating VHS students
were Candice Constanzer,
Caitlin Tundo, Kaylyn Merlak,
Tyson Bradley, Victoria

Kiernan, Leah Fejes, Ariel
Young, Haley Wolber, and
Cacia Morris.
Theme
This year's theme of HOSA,
Health Occupations Students
of America centers around
Autism. The Medical Ac-
ademy students are members
of this organization which
helps them prepare for their,
future careers in the medical
and allied health fields.
The Medical Academy stu-
dents raised over $200 for
Autism by selling "puzzle
pieces" supplied by the orga-
nizers of the event.
Bright futures

Students will be doing
more volunteer work around
the community to gain expe-
rience in their career areas
and to fulfill the requirement
for Gold Seal/Bright Futures
Scholarships.

The Venice Gondolier Sun is
looking for your school news.
Send your pictures and infor-
mation to Susan Cairo,
Class Acts Editor, at scairo@
venicegondolier.com. Pictures
must be jpg format.

Parents, grandparents and
children worked together on
Wednesday Nov. 29 at an
intergenerational advent
workshop held at the Venice
Presbyterian Church, 111
East Firenze Ave.
Children decorated gin-
gerbread cookies and. made
nativities,advent wreaths,
Christmas cards and orna-
ments. Adults trimmed can-
dles to be used for the Advent
Celebration today at the
Church. A worship service
with music, candles and spe-
cial readings willbe held.
Workshops for children
will be held every Wednesday
during Advent.

C. L. A.S.S. Program
STAFF REPORT

Community Liaison for
Achieving Student Success,
C.LA.S.S. is a parent/student
advocacy program that is
provided by the school board
of Sarasota County.
The program helps the
parents and student commu-
nicate and learn new study
habits. It also helps
solveschool-related problems
and parent concerns about

SUN PHOTO BY SUSAN CAIRO
Jacob and Kecia Younts made candles together at an intergen-
erational advent workshop held on Nov. 29 at the Venice
Presbyterian Church, 111 East Firenze Ave., Venice.

promotion, retention, disci-
pline suspension, expulsion
and other educational issues.
C.L.A.S.S. will provide a
trained volunteer to serve as a
parent advocate and liaison,
accompany you to school
meetings, interpret language,
policies and procedures for
your family members, and
help you ask the right ques-
tions so you can make good
decisions for your child.
The advocates are volun-
teers, trained in Sarasota
County school district disci-

plinary procedures, Sarasota
School board academic
requirements, student code
of conduct the rights of par-
ents, guardians and children.
These advocates are avail-
able any time a parent or stu-
dent needs assistance in
resolving a school-related
problem.
For more information on
C.L.A.S.S. call Frederick D.
Williams, program coordina-
tor 927-9000 ext. 31113.
Translators are available to
assist parents and students.

5B
WEDNESDAY
DEC. 6,2006

3.ji ; ~$ 1 1
it I..:

Venice Gondolier Sun

SO Th IE' MOPSq

Mil r'm lra\

6B
WEDNESDAY
DEC. 6,2006

It's the thought that counts

BROTHER CRAIG
1~ t 1i(!, '

Well, let me tell you, I sure
hope we do not have the
same fiasco as last year.
What I mean is, clerks in
stores were forbidden to say
"Merry Christmas" to cus-
tomers (even those buying a
Christmas tree.) It seems it
offended people who do not
celebrate Christmas, just like
"have a good day" offends
people who do not want to.
Mind you, I think people
have become too offendable.
(Yes, I did just invent a new
word.)
When I was a kid, stores
put up signs that read "Merry
Christmas" and "Happy
Hanukkah." But things have
changed.
Last year, after Christmas,
a woman asked me (and
there I was, standing in my
Catholic monk's habit, in all

my medieval glory) how was
"the holiday." She was afraid
to say Christmas! This is not
the same as "I'll see you after
the holidays," meaning the
Thanks giving- Christmas-
NewYear's blur.
A friend was asked to buy
some cards for the Winter
Festival! This was in England,
not when Russia was the
U.S.S.R
Next I'll be hearing "Happy
Vernal Equinox" or "Happy
Shortest Day of the Year."
Then again, it was in England,
while I was studying at
Oxford, that I was wished a
"lovely birthday of Jesus." By a
Jewish student.
What is the problem, folks?
We are referring to a greeting.
We are wishing people well.
Still, in this country, that can
get one can get into trouble.
I do not care if I am wished
a holy day I do not celebrate. I
just say, "Thank you," as my
mother taught me to do in the
days where politeness was
rightly much more important
than political correctness.
Then there are people who
are offended if you mention
any greeting that is religious.
These people have become
so afraid that, if you sneeze,
you do not hear, "God bless
you" which goes back to

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the Middle Ages, as sneezing
was a sign of the Black Plague.
But rather, they say "Bless
you." But who is blessing me?
God? The person who said it?
Eddie Cantor? But still I am
not offended they are
wishing me well.
Then again, I seldom
become offended, not even
when told I look like combi-
nation of JohnWayne and Zsa
Zsa Gabor.
Years ago they made a
musical version for television
of O. Henry's "The Gift of the
Magi." They added much to
the story, but did a fine job.
I will never forget some of
the dialogue at the beginning
of the movie.
A young couple, just before
Christmas, are admiring their
newborn baby. A young man
walks up to them and says, "A
baby! Merry Christmas!" The
wife responds, "But we're
Jewish." Instantly the young
man responds "That's how it
was on the first Christmas."
So, Merry Hanukkah and
Happy Christmas from all of
us here at the monastery!

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CONTACT US
(941) 207-1000
www.venicegondolier.com

Local woman takes pride in helping others

can help the food pantry
stock up on these items, then
the people who really need
them will be able to benefit
from them."
Beach wrote a letter to area
churches explaining what it
was like to live in 1929 during
the Great Depression, when
taking a shower and having a
hot meal were practically lux-
uries.
."Back then, hundreds and
hundreds of people were
homeless," she said. "The
counties opened bathhouses,
and for five cents you could
get a clean shower. What
about today's homeless?
Where do they go to bathe?"
Good idea
Beach didn't receive the
response she hoped for from
area churches. However; that
didn't stop her from asking
the more than 230 fellow
members of North Port

BY ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH
NORTH PORT EDITOR

Aftet donating more than
50 bags of canned goods to
the Salvation Army, LaCasa
resident Norma Beach
learned an area food pantryis
helping homeless individuals.
This saddened Beach, as
she thought she could do
something to help Jim
Dooley, founder of the Arise
and Shine Ministry in North
Port.
"When we collected the
groceries from all of the
LaCasa residents, we thought
it was a wonderful gesture,"
Beach said. "We take pride in
helping out in North Port.
Then I learned about the
Arise and Shine food pantry
and figured there was nothing
I could do until February
because we just had a
canned-food drive."
Beach was impressed after
learning that Dooley opens
the makeshift pantry a
home along Tamiami Trail
near the Biscayne Plaza to
the homeless. He often helps
men and women who need
food and a hot shower. The
problem is these individuals
often don't leave the pantry
with personal hygiene prod-
ucts because the pantry is pri-
marily stocked with canned
good donations and not
socks, underwear or soap.
"I realized there is a real
need here," Beach said. "If we

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Venice Church of the Nazarene
1535 E. Venice Ave 941-488-5007
presents
I A

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Lunch is at: 1:00pm

Community United Church
of Christ to help her out.
Last week, Beach began
collecting razors, soap, socks
and underwear for her
Christmas for The Homeless
program.
"No one should be without a
Christmas gift," she said. "If I
were homeless, I would want to
have a fresh shower and some
clean underwear."
Beach is now asking anyone
who will help to drop off per-
sonal hygiene items to the
church at 3450 Biscayne Drive,
until noon on weekdays.
"I think collecting women's
underwear and men's T-shirts
and underwear in all sizes
would be a good idea," she
said. "They will be' wrapped
and given to the homeless
when they go to Arise and
Shine for help."
You can e-mail Elaine
Allen-Emrich at eallen@
sun-herald.com.

STAFF REPORT
No matter what the diagno-
sis, finding out that you have a
chronic illness can be a fright-
ening and confusing experi-
ence. Following are 10 steps,
provided by the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society, to
help people cope with the
news more easily:
1. Educate yourself about the
disease. You owe it to yourself to
know as much as possible.
Contact health organizations
specific to your illness, such as
the National MS Society, for
comprehensive information.
The Internet, bookstores and
the library are also great
resources.
2. Choose a health care
provider that is right for you.
Even before making your first
appointment, make a list of'
questions to ask. Some great
basic questions often over-
looked are:
* Does the provider accept my
health insurance?
* What do I need to bring to
my first appointment? (for

example, a list of your med-
ications, recent lab reports,
MRI scans, etc.)
* Approximately how many
other people with my condi-
tion does this provider see in
a year?
* If the primary professional is
not available, who helps me?
3. Compare treatments and
make an informed decision
with your health-care provider.
Starting on a medication soon
after diagnosis is often the best
defense for many diseases. In
the case of multiple sclerosis,
treatment can often slow its
effects.
4. Connectwith others to build a
good support system. You are
not alone. Interacting with oth-
ers in your community or
nationwide who are living with
or affected by the same disease
can help you in choosing the
right health care provider, an
important factor when coping
with a chronic illness. Join self-
help groups (either in person or
online) and get involved in pro-
grams and events through local
health organizations.

5. Think about how and when
you'll tell your family, friends
and colleagues. Many dis-
eases affect not only the per-
son with the illness, but
everyone who cares about
him/her as well. Having at
least one friend or family
member who knows what
you're going through can ease
the burden, and can help you
decide how much to tell other
people. It is also important to
remember that the whole world
doesn't need to know about
your diagnosis. Disclosure may
sometimes result in prejudice,
ignorance and even rejection.
Contact the National MS
Society [(800) FIGHT-MS] for
information on disclosure
issues such as how and when to
tell whom about your disease.
6. Take care of yourself
through healthy living. For a
person living with an illness,
the road to wellness involves
more than medical treatment
of the disease; exercise, good
nutrition and preventative
care are vital elements in
maintaining a satisfying life,

just as is true for the general
public.
7. Make wise career choices.
Knowing your company's
policies and your employ-
ment rights could help maxi-
mize your options before
possible problems arise.
8. Plan for your financial future.
Since many diseases pose
uncertainties about the future,
don't wait to formulate your
financial plans, evaluate insur-
ance coverage and examine
other practical issues.
9. Make your voice heard.
Joining disease advocacy
groups is an important step. By
joining programs, such as the
MS Action Network
(nationalmssociety. org/action-
network), you can receive feder-
al and state legislative alerts
about issues that are important
to you and your way of life.
Becoming an activist is the best
way to ensure that the needs of
those with chronic diseases are
considered when important
decisions are, made in the pri-
vate and public sector.
10. Take a walk Or a bike ride.

,,i i

.

Ti4

i .
IF

PHOTO COURTESY OF NAPSA
Choosing the right health care provider is an important part of
coping with a chronic illness.

Many nonprofits organize
group activities that are both
fun -and raise money and
awareness for their causes. The
National MS Society holds MS

Walks and MS Bike Tours in
nearly every community in
every state in the country.
To find out more, visit
nationalmssociety.org.

State-of-the-art Cataract Surgery with
the new ReSTOR lens
implant is now available
right here in Venice

Now, is the inme to save BIG with our end of the \elr pricing e\ent.
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Editor's note: (This classic
Dave Barry column was originally
Iers" published Sept. 10, 1995.)
Once again, we are forced
to ask ourselves, as a society,
whether nature should be
legal.
Consider a story from the
June 22 Manchester (N.H.)
Union Leader, written by Paul
Tracy and sent in by alert
reader Arnie Alpert. This story
states that on June 20 a
SLaconia, N.H., police officer
was called to the municipal
water-treatment facility in
M response to and as you
lo read this column, please bear
in mind that I am not making
any of these newspaper quo-
4e stations up "a report of a
suspicious-acting wood-
chuck that would not let peo-
ple out of the building." The
iclude sea officer sized up the situation
eaks, prime and, according to the story,
id grouper, "determined that the animal'
hef C3eorge needed to be euthanized and
nch menu tried to run it over with his
s Lunch list cruiser." So far, so good. Law-
items such enforcement experts will tell
r meat loaf you, after they've had a few
sh fry plat- belts, that in a situation where
ill the usual a member of the marmot
burgers. family is holding people
u includes hostage in a sewage plant, the
vith weekly textbook response is to drive
s. Sunday, a police car over the alleged
11:30 a.m.- perpetrator, then, if neces-
sary, advise it of its rights.
am doing," Unfortunately, things did

KITCHEN from page lB
Everyone in the family is
involved in some way, from
management and accounting
to hostessing and greeting
guests. His mother manages
the front of the restaurant and
his father is an accountant.
George Anderson, long-time
chef at the old Smitty's, is
Zahnd's co-chef.
"He watches out for my
back when I am not here,"
Zahnd said. "He has been
with us for 10 years."
When not at the restaurant
or taping a TV show, Zahnd
maybe at home, cooking with
his children. It has been two
years since he was in
Switzerland: His' sister still
lives there, and he plans to go
there later in the year for the
confirmation of his god-child
and to see his sister who lives
in Interlochen.
"We love Venice, and we try
to help," Zahnd said. "We
always do the Sun Fiesta .to
help."
The restaurant's lobster
fest also is for.the locals, he
said. It is planned for a time
when there are few tourists in
town. For this year's fest, the
restaurant ordered 1,000 lob-
sters.
For those who like wine
with their meals, the restau-
rant has a cellar holding more
than 500 bottles in all price
ranges. The chef said that
about 50 percent of diners
purchase wine priced at $20-
$40 per bottle, 40 percent
choose bottles in the $40-$80
price range and 10 percent
purchase those in the $100-
$500 range.
"We base the whole restau-
rant on the families who live
around here," he said. "I want
a nice atmosphere where you
can feed a whole family on a
$15 pizza but also have spe-

cial items."
Other items ii
bass, New York ste
rib, mahi-mahi ar
plus salads and C
Specials. The lui
includes an Expres
of $5.99 and $6.99
as chicken salad o
sandwiches or a fi
ter. There also are a
items such as ham
The total men
some 300 items, v
and daily specials
brunch is offered
2:30 p.m.
"I love what I
Rolf said.

l-*

not go exactly according to
plan. The story quotes a plant
employee as saying, "When
he got out after running over
it, I think he thought it was
dead; then the thing sprung
up and attacked him."
At this point, the officer -
and if you have never been
attacked by a woodchuck,
then do not second-guess this
decision pulled his 9 mm
revolver and commenced fir-
ing.
"We think he emptied a
clip," a plant employee is
quoted as saying, "but we
could only find eight casings
on the pavement."
The story states that dur-
ing the battle, the officer,
seeking to escape the wood-
chuck, "jumped up on the
cruiser and injured his knee."
Fortunately, before anybody
else could be hurt, the wood-
chuck went to that Big
Burrow in the Sky.
I wish I could tell you that
this was an isolated incident. I
wish I could look you in the
eyeball and say, "This was just
one lone disgruntled wood-
chuck, possibly a former
postal employee, who fortu-
nately will never again terror-
ize humanity, thanks to a
quick-acting police officer,
who, fortunately, was not car-
rying nuclear weapons."
But I cannot say that. For
one thing, I lack the lung
capacity. For another thing, I
have here an article from the
Gaithersburg (Md.) Gazette,
written by April E. Fulton and
sent in by several alert read-
ers, which states, "Nine resi-
dents of the SouthVillage area
of MontgomeryVillage two
adults and seven children -
were playing near Docena
Court on the morning of June
15 when they suddenly were
charged by a band of about a
dozen squirrels."

CRACKER BARREL
Venice
Exit 193 From 1-75

t

VENICE GONDOLIER SUN 9B

the rodents

The article quotes one of
the women who was bitten
on the foot as saying: "We
were just playing in the yard,
like we do every day, and sud-
denly, out of nowhere, about
12 squirrels started charging
us, making these high-
pitched, shrill noises." A
neighbor is quoted as saying:
"The squirrels that day went
crazy."
The article states that on
June 21, a representative of
the Maryland Department of
Natural Resources inspected
the area and "found no
abnormal behavior from the
squirrels."
Of course not. They may be
squirrels, but they are not stu-
pid. They're not about to go
after a government official,
not after what happened to'
the woodchuck. No, they put
on a cute little Walt Disney
show for the Maryland
Department of Natural
Resources, squeaking and
scampering around with
acorns in their cheeks. But
you may rest assured that as
soon as the coast was clear,
they resumed smoking tiny
cigarettes and planning their
next attack.
They will stop at nothing,
as we can see from the follow-
ing headline from a Sept. 2,
1994 front-page article in the
Missoula Missoulian, written
by Michael Downs and sent
in by many alert readers:
FLAMING SQUIRRELS
IGNITE FIRE
The story states that "two
electrocuted squirrels fell
from a power line Thursday
morning, their flaming bod-
ies igniting a small grass fire
near Tarkio." A fire official is
quoted as saying that it could
have been a male and a
female squirrel engaged in an
act of "burning rodent pas-
sion." (The fire official does

not point out that both
"Rodent Passion" and
"Flaming Squirrels" would be
excellent names for rock
bands; this was probably just
an oversight.)
At this point, you're saying:
"Dave, you have presented
ample journalistic evidence
here to prove that the animal
kingdom is attempting, for
whatever reason, to wipe out
the entire human race. But at
least members of the news
media are safe!"
I wish I could agree, but,
tragically, I cannot not in
light of a recent Associated
Press item from Kennewick,
Wash., sent in by several alert
readers, which begins: "A TV
reporter's hair gel apparently
attracted a swarm of bees that
stung him more than 30 times
yesterday." The reporter was
doing a story about beekeep-
ing when the attack occurred;
the story states that the bee-
keeper, in an effort to help,
covered the reporter's .head
with a protective hood, but
unfortunately, the hood "also
turned out to contain bees."
I am sure that you, as a
person concerned about the
First Amendment, have the
same reaction to this story as
I did, namely: How come this
never happens, on-camera,
to my local TV reporters?
Until we get solid answers to
this and many other ques-
tions raised by this column, I
am urging everyone to avoid
all contact with nature in any
form, including vegetables.
Speaking of which, you
should also write your con-
gressperson.

Dave Barry is taking a
leave ofabsence from writing
his weekly humor column.
His classic columns appear in
the Wednesday edition of the
Venice Gondolier Sun.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-888-ADMIT-IT.
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Santa Claus makes an
appearance downtown to-
morrow at the annual Venice
MainStreet Christmas walk.
Venice Ave.. looks like a win-
ter wonderland, Florida style,
thanks to the new garland,
bows and lights courtesy of
the city and Venice
MainStreet. All the restau-
rants and stores want to show
you their holiday best so be
ready to shop, eat, drink and
be merry. Remember, the
walk is a red-and-green jingle
bell event. I'll see you there.
Shopping Venice Yacht
Club Style
Eighteen merchants from
Venice MainStreet and other
parts of Florida brought their
wares to the Venice Yacht
Club. It gave them a chance to
show off their holiday best.
Treasures in Time on Venice
Ave. brought snow. It is spec-
tacular and if you had your
eyes shut and felt it you would
think it was real. Be sure to
stop in and get some.
Yacht Club members and
friends purchased collapsible
Christmas trees, lavender oil
from France, books, beads
and delicious holiday snacks.
Kild Allan, Karen Aiello,
Rosanne Brown, Nancy Ewell
and Jean Pierre Bres showed
off new merchandise avail-
able atVenice and MiamiAve..
stores. A slightly 'used jacket
from LaCheape Boutique iri
the BrickYard Plaza pur-
chased at the mart made this
columnist happy.
After shopping the mer-
chants and shoppers enjoyed
a delicious buffet lunch.
Bravo Venice Yacht Club -
for showcasing Venice
MainStreet merchants.
More than a spot of tea
Three cheers to members
of the Catholic Council of
Women of Epiphany Cathe-
dral. Each year this group
plans an afternoon tea and
baby shower. Members bring
new gifts for the Pregnancy
Care of Venice.. Several long
tables overflowed with baby
clothes, stuffed animals and
lovely colorful blankets.
Eileen Kruszynski helped
showcase the gifts.
Henry Gibson, Nick Rohan
and Tom Hurleyu joined in
the fun and helped serve tea.
Lorre Doyle, president of the
CCW then presented Ruth
Maginnis, volunteer with Pr-
egnancy Care of Venice,
with a check for $300.
Everyone enjoyed deli-
cious pastries and most ladies
took a plateful home.
"Twas the Night Before
Christmas"
On Dec. 12 DebbieWilson
invites everyone to the Senior
Friendship Center at 11 a.m.
for a pajama party featuring
the fabulous Silver Foxes. The
party includes a visit from
Santa Claus. Remember to
wear your p.js. Call 584-0075.
One of our best
The special person of this
week is Lee Hamilton. This
nice lady runs the Burgee
Store and the Venice Yacht
Club. She also coordinates the
annual holiday mart for the
Club. Lee never wants her
photo taken or wants any
credit for the long volunteer
hours she provides. This
makes her like a lot of Santa's
helpers who like to stay
behind the scenes during this
season.
Lee Hamilton is one of the
Venice Yacht Club members
who help make Venice spe-
cial.
ni

Pat Kozlowski fills the Holiday Market Place at the Venice Yacht Club with colorful
flowers from her Garden of Eden flower shop in Venice. Vice Commodore of the club
Audrey Rice decides which centerpiece to include in her holiday decorating.

Maureen Snyder shows off her art at the Collector's
Gallery on Venice Ave.

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Call Amber or come in.
We'll be glad to see you.
Quality Healthcare Ctr,
6940 Pan American Dr.
North Port
(941)-426-8411
EOE. DFWP..

A large ophthalmology prac-
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and possess good.communi-
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Center Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL
33912 or Fax to (239)939-
0827

2030 MEDICAL

PHYSICAL THERAPIST
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B & I CONTRACTORS A
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(239) 332-4646 ext. 248
or check out our website
www.bandicontractors.com
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PLUMBERS AND HELPERS
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FURNITURE SALES
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WE OFFER:
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Stephens Furniture has
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more about retail for a
future career we should
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to schedule an appt.

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For consideration,
please corit.c.t
Steve or Bruce in the
Circulation Dept
(941) 681-3000
x227
or stop in and visit us in
picturesque, historic
downtown Englewood at
167 W. Dearborn St.

Great Sales position and-
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experience needed, will train.
Call (941-235-0022 or email
Dortcharlotte@embroidme.com

HABITAT FOR
HUMANITY
Home Improvement Ctr.
We have a selection of
new and gently used
building material
at workforce prices.
The proceeds help in
building affordable
homes for those in need.
On 776 just west of
Sam's Club
941-206-2606